On a bustling Wednesday, Kenyan President William Ruto presided over the launch of a global travel exposition in Nairobi. His goal? To amplify tourist numbers by spreading marketing wings into untapped, fresh markets.
Amidst this splendid event, visitors admired the breathtaking views from a vantage point overlooking Kenya’s legendary Great Rift Valley in Kiambu County, captured in a photo on September 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
During this vibrant gathering, President Ruto reiterated his vision for diversifying Kenya’s allure to international tourists by targeting new avenues and bringing in more wanderlust-driven souls to witness Kenya’s marvels.
This year’s Magical Kenya Travel Expo, an auspicious conclave for travel aficionados from East and Central Africa, continues its merry run until Friday. Drawing in over 4,000 delegates worldwide, it’s bound to make headlines and happy memories.
Spearheaded by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) – the state’s brainchild for attracting international attention – this three-day affair plays host to 180 travel agents. Among them, are 75 from the African continent, 37 from North America, 26 from across the enchanting European lands, and 42 representing Asia and the Middle Eastern vibes.
President Ruto acknowledged how Kenya’s tourism sector, like a phoenix, rose post-pandemic. He lauded the expo’s potential to put the spotlight back on Kenya’s rich tapestry of wildlife, scenic Great Rift Valley, sun-drenched beaches, and sprawling savannahs.
“Magical Kenya Travel Expo has been instrumental over the last 14 years. It’s brilliant for business-to-business dialogues, linking African tourism maestros with global buyers and bridging Kenyan creators to the worldwide stage,” Ruto emphasized with fervor, beaming at the expo’s legacy.
2023 was indeed a bright year as Kenya’s tourism sector boomed — arrivals soared to 2 million, stepping up from 1.48 million in the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. It’s a testament to the nation’s undeterred efforts and undying charm.
Ruto painted a promising picture for the future, predicting a welcoming embrace for 3 million tourists by the end of 2024 and hoping to touch the 5 million mark in the subsequent years.
Among the government’s playbook strategies to fuel tourism growth are plans for fine-tuning transportation networks and swiftly processing travel documentation, all while keeping safety top-notch.
Amidst this push for resurgence, Ruto mentioned that the Kenyan government is creating ideal conditions to lure investors into the hospitality sector, showcasing niche treasures like cultural diversity, sports enthusiasm, innovations, and relics of yore.
“From the vibrant tapestry of pastoralist lifestyles to the root-deep coastal customs, our cultural mosaic spells out Kenya’s global fascination,” Ruto declared, proudly highlighting Kenya’s intrinsic appeal as the true birthplace of humankind.
Kenya is rolling out the Digital Nomad Work Permit, designed for global digital buffs eager to savor the country’s enchanting landscapes while working remotely, Ruto revealed, offering a fresh twist to the itinerant lifestyle.
Soon, they’d also be launching an electronic travel permits for those in transit with long layovers. With this, travelers can step out of the airport and experience local wonders, adding an extra feather to Kenya’s tourism cap.
June Chepkemei, the dynamic CEO of KTB, noted that this travel expo will pave the way for Kenyan investors to mingle and strike hearty deals with operators from major markets in Africa, Europe, and Asia, potentially turbocharging visitor counts and bilateral ties.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
