NAIROBI: The Government is seeking to reposition Kenya as a quality destination at this year’s World Travel Market Africa exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa. The State, through Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), is facing an uphill task selling Kenya as a safe tourist destination due to increased terror threats, with the latest being the Garissa University College attack that left 148 dead.
KTB together with the private sector intend to take advantage of WTM Africa to reassure the market that Kenya is safe and still open for business. WTM Africa is a key exhibition for the African travel industry and Kenya will make its debut at the three-day event to showcase what the country has to offer.
KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa (pictured) said there is need to maximise on platforms like WTM Africa to showcase Kenya. “We will be in Cape Town to let the world know that Kenya is open for business and position the country as the ultimate holiday destination,” he said.
Mr Ndegwa reiterated that despite the recent challenges, Kenya remains a preferred destination, noting that KTB is stepping up efforts to market the country by participating in key exhibitions and familiarisation tours with trade and media from key source markets and engaging the market. “This is the first time we will be participating at the WTM Africa and we believe it is a good platform,” he noted. KTB will launch a sales incentive campaign in which Kenya’s tourism private sector is extending special offers to South Africa tour operators.
