NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 24 – The Kenya Tourism board (KTB) has unveiled two key events in a bid to The World Travel Awards (WTA) and Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) taking place in October are geared at profiling Kenya as an event destination/FILE The World Travel Awards (WTA) and Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) taking place in October are geared at profiling Kenya as an event destination.
Speaking at the unveiling of the events on Monday, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie said that this will stir demand for Kenya and increase tourist arrivals.
Kandie said that hosting of the two events is consistent with the plans by the government to boost tourism arrivals through new and strategic marketing initiatives that are supported by increased investments to the sector.
“Kenya is being celebrated for having conducted a peaceful General Election on March 4 this year under a new Constitution. Kenya is also turning 50 years since Independence and it is time therefore to celebrate the milestones we have achieved so far. WTA and MKTE events are some of such achievements we shall be taking stock as we celebrate the rebirth of our nation,” she said.
Kandie said she is also keen on implementing the recently unveiled Tourism Act that is aimed at putting in place an effective management system of the sector.
“It sets to address a number of challenges that include emerging competition from other destinations, product diversification and regulation of the industry among others,” she said.
Kandie revealed that Kenya has been selected to host other internationally recognised events in the year.
One of them is the prestigious Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference which runs from September 24 to 27 2013 that will endorse Kenya as an eco-tourism destination.
The country will also host the African Hospitality Investment Forum will also be held from September 24 to 25 this year, an endorsement that Kenya is a place for investment in the hospitality industry.
She said that the government plans to reverse the two percent drop in arrivals experienced last year, to a double digit growth in the year 2013.
On his part, KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said Kenya will benefit a lot in its destination marketing efforts through these international showcase events.
“We aim at gaining endorsement from the more than 300 visitors who will have the opportunity to experience the country first hand. We will show them that we have an unrivalled product,” said Ndegwa.
The WTA, reputed as the “Oscars of the travel industry” will bring together over 350 tour operators and other influential stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector from all over the world to witness the awards ceremony, while the MKTE Expo will be attended by 150 hosted buyers.
The WTA will be held on October 16, 2013 while MKTE will be take place from October 18 to 20, 2013.
