Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Xinhua
Published on 2024-02-02 08:54:46
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has announced plans to boost tourist arrivals from West Africa by promoting both business and leisure travel. In a series of roadshows in Nigeria and Ghana, KTB’s acting CEO John Chirchir highlighted the integral role of the West African market in diversifying tourist source markets and broadening Kenya’s destination portfolio.
Nigeria and Ghana have shown improvements in tourist arrivals, with 6 percent and 48 percent increases, respectively, in 2023, ranking them among Kenya’s potential markets on the continent, Chirchir said. The KTB and Kenya Airways are leading over 15 travel trade companies for in-market activations scheduled for Feb. 5-9 in various cities of Nigeria and Ghana, expecting to attract over 400 trade partners.
Chirchir anticipated that the Kenyan traders would engage in business meetings and direct interactions with potential travelers from Lagos, Abuja and Accra. He noted that regular flights between African cities, ease in travel restrictions, and the Electronic Travel Authorization will make it easier for visitors to access Kenya.
Consaga Khisa, chairperson of the West Africa Roadshow, emphasized the importance of partnerships between KTB and the private sector in improving tourism arrivals in Kenya. Khisa said, “The roadshows will provide an opportunity for the Kenyan trade to engage with about 400 West African travel agents and tour operators, showcase products and service offerings, and forge new partnerships that will drive growth.”
The move comes as the KTB intensifies marketing efforts across the continent, with Africa emerging as an important source market for Kenya’s tourism. According to statistics from the Tourism Research Institute, arrivals from Africa accounted for 651,152 visitors, or 40.7 percent, of total arrivals from January to October in 2023.
The KTB’s commitment to promoting tourism is reflected in its efforts to engage with various African markets, including West Africa. By creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership, the KTB aims to drive growth and establish Kenya as a premier destination for tourists from the region.
The vibrant cultural experiences, natural attractions, and rich heritage of Kenya make it an ideal destination for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and exploration. By promoting both business and leisure travel, the KTB seeks to showcase the diverse offerings of Kenya to a wide audience in West Africa.
In addition to the roadshows in Nigeria and Ghana, the KTB’s marketing efforts extend to other parts of the continent, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to engaging with African markets and expanding Kenya’s tourism industry. Through strategic partnerships with the private sector and travel trade companies, the KTB aims to drive growth and further establish Kenya as a leading destination for tourists from across the continent.
As the tourism industry in Kenya continues to evolve and expand, the KTB remains dedicated to promoting the country’s diverse attractions and unique experiences. The organization’s focus on engaging with West African markets reflects its commitment to establishing Kenya as a premier destination for tourists from the region, further solidifying the country’s position as a top tourism destination in Africa.
