The number of Australian’s visiting Kenya continues to grow throughout 2016, something the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Jimi Kariuki welcomed at the recent Magical Kenya Tourism Expo (MKTE)
“This growth is a huge step forward for the Kenyan tourism industry,” Kariuki told Kate Webster from Travel Weekly at the event.
KTB reported a positive 18.9 percent growth in Australian visitor’s year on year for the first six months of 2016.
Improved destination awareness and confidence, increased air capacity with Qatar Airways, continued support and marketing efforts from trade partners and a variety of new tourism initiatives including reduced park fees, the removal of VAT charges on national park entry fees, visa waivers for children under 16 years and the introduction of an online visa system have all helped to boost the visitor numbers to the African nation.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Kenya, Hon. Najib Balala, also speaking at MKTE 2016, said the country was “heavily invested in the tourism sector,” and is focusing not only on the core products of game safari and wildlife, but looking to promote the beach areas also.
“Kenya is a destination that offers a magical experience that resignates with people,” Hon. Najib Balala concluded.
A group of Travel Agents from Australia recently visited Kenya to experience the best it has to offer, aiding in the future sales of the destination.
