Why Kenya is a hard sell at tourism event

The Kenyan delegation to the ongoing World Travel Market fair is facing a major challenge in its bid to promote the country’s image as the destination of choice.

The event — now in its 35th edition — comes against a backdrop of increasing insecurity, especially at the Coast, which has almost grounded tourism.

Hundreds have been killed in the past few months, putting Kenya in the global spotlight as an unsafe place to visit.

This has seen a number of major source markets for Kenya, such as the UK, Germany, US and France, issue travel advisories warning its citizens against making unnecessary travel to the country.

It is this image that the Kenyan team, led by East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie, will be attempting to paint differently.

“We will focus this year on education, recovery and getting tourism back on track, following recent incidents in the country, as well as position Kenya as the ultimate holiday destination to instil desire to visit and rebuild confidence to sell amongst the trade,” said a statement from the ministry on Monday.

The gathering in London started on Monday and runs until Thursday.

Forty six companies are exhibiting alongside the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). Among them are 11 counties. These are Narok, Samburu, Isiolo, Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo and Nandi.

MUSIC AND CULTURE

On Wednesday, KTB will host the inaugural East Africa festival which will bring together Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda to showcase what the region has to offer in terms of food, music and culture.

The initiative is part of the a bid by the three countries to work together and promote the region’s single tourist visa that was launched earlier in the year.

During the World Travel Awards 2014, several Kenyan firms and destinations emerged top in Africa.

KTB was also feted for the third consecutive year as Africa’s leading tourist board.