Kenya "safe and open for business"
Kenya Tourism has assured the industry that it is addressing security concerns during the fourth annual Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi.
Eight Australian wholesalers are attending the expo, which is a platform for tourism opportunities between local industry, its partners and key buyers.
Kenya Tourism Board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa took the stage to address the securtiy issues the destination has faced in recent times and the measures being undertaken to combat this.
“We want to assure you and your clients that Kenya is safe and open for business,” Ndegwa said.
The event officially opened the expo with an address by the acting president William Ruto who welcomed over 170 trade representatives from 36 countries.
“Every citizen of the world can call Kenya home as this is where the cradle of mankind is found,” Ruto said.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) showed its support with UNWTO Africa Director Ms Elsia Grandcourt expressing great optimism in the resilience of Kenya’s tourism industry.
“We are behind you, you can count on the UNWTO's support and the international community as Kenya is an important destination and a holiday choice for many,” Grandcourt said.
KTB has reported that both exhibitor and attendee numbers for the 2014 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) are up from last year.
“This is a clear indication the Kenya tourism industry will recover after a very difficult year," East African affairs, commerce and tourism cabinet secretary Phylis Kandie said.
The growth has been attributed to this years inclusion of tourism boards of surrounding nations, such as Tanzania and promotion of outbound travel to other countries such as India and Indonesia.
“Showcasing our quality of product is key to increase all aspects of tourism,” Kandie said.
The Australian delegation to the Magical Kenya Travel Expo relaxes with David Stogdale, Managing Director of Great Plains Conservation East Africa, represented in Australia by Africareps.
Back row: Jodi Weisser of This is Africa, Alisa Feillafe of Adventure World, Sandy Gosper of Destinations Africa, Wayne Hamilton of Swagman Africa, Kira Sachs of The Africa Safari Co, Anne Morris of the Kenya Tourism Board, Nicolle Lawson of Travel Today.
Front row: David Stogdale of Great Plains Conservation, Hank Holtzhausen of Inca Tours, Craig McBey of Bunnik Tours.
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