Kenya “open for business” as expo kicks off

Kenya “open for business” as expo kicks off

Kenya is “well and truly open for business” is the message that is being pushed at the fifth annual Magical Kenya Travel Expo which is now underway in Diani Beach on the country’s south coast.

The country has experienced several years of tourism decline as a result of a wave of terrorism attacks. Tourist arrivals between January and June fell 18.9% compared with the same period in 2014. But a high profile visit from President Barack Obama at the end of July along with the release of additional government funds to assist the tourism recovery could help to turn things around.

A group of Australian buyers has been in Kenya in the build-up to the event to gain first-hand experience of some safari options as well as some of the newer product on offer. Now they will take part in face-to-face meetings with the Kenyan tourism industry at MKTE to gain an insight into the diversity of experiences on offer.

“Over the last five years, the expo has become an important and influential platform for tourism networking and business transactions, assisting in raising the profile of the destination within the tourism sector,” Kenya Tourism Board said.

Meanwhile, the Australian buyers spoke enthusiastically of the pre-famil and also of the benefits and opportunities created by the expo.

African Wildlife Safaris sales and marketing manager Praful Albuquerque said MKTE played an “essential role” in helping the company deliver stand-out experiences. Ben Goshnick of This is Africa also described it as a “great opportunity” to keep updated on the country’s diverse product offerings.

 

Latest News

  • Aviation
  • News

Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian

Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!