Dubai Calendar unveils exciting line-up of events for October 2024

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Calendar, the city’s official event listings platform, has unveiled a diverse range of events for October 2024, showcasing thrilling sports competitions, captivating live performances, and engaging community activities. October promises a month filled with unforgettable experiences for all, including shows by global music icons and thrilling athletic performances that will have everyone on the edge of their seat. From the legendary British band Kasabian to the Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris, and the dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice, prepare for a month filled with excitement and entertainment like never before!

Below are Dubai Calendar’s top picks of upcoming events for October:

COMMUNITY

Global Village

Date: 16 October – 11 May

Location: Global Village

About: Global Village is reopening its gates for its 29th season. Featuring 26 pavilions with 3,500 displays from countries near and far, visitors can pick up traditional handicrafts and snacks from more than 200 eateries. Highlights include mesmerising fire-breathing performances, star-studded concerts, and exhilarating stunt shows, ensuring there is something exciting for everyone.

Gault and Millau Culinary Innovators

Date: 24 – 26 October

Location: ICD Brookfield Place

About: Prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience as Dubai’s talented chefs unite for Gault&Millau’s inaugural Culinary Innovators showcase. This unique event, a first of its kind in the UAE, brings together 12 of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs for a spectacular three-night pop-up.

SPORTS

Dubai Basketball Club

Date: 22 September – 31 May

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Grab your seats as Dubai’s new basketball team begins its 2024/5 season. Get courtside as Dubai Basketball takes on reigning ABA League champions Crvena Zvezda (Red Star) from Serbia. Led by renowned Head Coach Jurica Golemac, Dubai’s roster includes players from across the world, including the United States and the Philippines.

Dubai Muscle Show

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Join the latest edition of the Dubai Muscle Show, the Middle East’s leading fitness and bodybuilding platform. Highlights include the Dubai Muscle Classic with the FMG International’s first women’s contest, intense boxing and Muay Thai matches, and inspiring talks with bodybuilding legends.

Dubai Active

Date: 25-27 October

Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai

About: Start the Dubai Fitness Challenge with Dubai Active. Enjoy workouts with celebrity trainers, watch boxing and MMA, and explore more than 400 brands.

Cancer Awareness Cycle or Walk

Date: 26 October

Location: Meydan Cycle Track

About: Put your best foot forward for the latest edition of Cycle or Walk For Life and plan a family day out. This community event aims to bring people together to spread awareness about cancer while enjoying live entertainment by local bands, dance groups, motivational speakers, a kids’ zone and festive food stalls.

Plus500 City Half Marathon

Date: 27 October

Location: Gate Village, Dubai International Financial Centre

About: Experience stunning views at the Plus500 City Half Marathon racing through Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers. Choose between 21km, 10km, or 5km routes, and enjoy a scenic run with friends and family.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Date: 26 October – 24 November

Location: Citywide

About: Get ready for the 2024 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Complete 30 minutes of daily activity for 30 days with free classes and events in yoga, cycling, high-intensity interval training, and more. Join the fun and get fit!

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Cinderella on Ice

Date: 4-6 October

Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

About: Enjoy a dazzling performance of Cinderella on Ice with stunning skating and thrilling manoeuvres by the Imperial Ice Stars. Book your tickets now for this enchanting retelling of the classic tale.

Tamer Ashour and Elissa live

Date: 11 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready for a night of Arabic music as Lebanese sensation Elissa and Egyptian composer Tamer Ashour light up the stage at Coca-Cola Arena. Elissa, dubbed the ‘Queen of Emotions’, promises a captivating performance as she entertains fans with endless hits like Baddy Doub and Betghib Betrouh. Meanwhile, Ashour will mesmerise with favourites including Zikrayat Kaddab, Ekhtarna Leh, Thania Wahda, and Enta Ekhtart.

Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era

Date: 12-13 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of the late Egyptian singer, Umm Kulthum, in an unforgettable show at Dubai Opera. The evening promises to be a true spectacle where her celebrated performances will unfold on stage, enhanced by a live orchestra. Watch the digital and real worlds merge in an elevated ambience during this show.

Kasabian live

Date: 13 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Get ready to rock with legendary British band Kasabian at Coca-Cola Arena. Watch them belt out their top songs such as Fire, Club Foot, and L.S.F.

L.A. Dance Project – Romeo & Juliet Suite

Date: 17-18 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Dance meets cinema and theatre in a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic Romeo & Juliet. This innovative ballet brings the Bard’s tragic love story to life in a contemporary setting.

Eric Prydz HOLO live

Date: 18 October

Location: Expo City Arena

About: Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is bringing his sensational show HOLO to Dubai for the first time. This show will headline technological and musical innovation that merges music and 3D holographic projections for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tyga live

Date: 19 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: It will be an evening filled with beats as globally-acclaimed rapper Tyga performs live at Coca-Cola Arena. The American star gained popularity for his repertoire of hits and celebrated collaborations with international names like Drake and Justin Bieber. Hear him belt out chart-topping singles like Taste, Swish, and The Motto.

Romesh Ranganathan live

Date: 25 October

Location: Coca-Cola Arena

About: Romesh Ranganathan’s 2022 show in Dubai was a sold-out success, so grab your tickets early for his upcoming performance. The stand-up comedy star gained popularity thanks to stints on numerous TV shows like The Apprentice: You’re Fired!, Play to the Whistle, and A League of Their Own.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor live

Date: 26 October

Location: Dubai Opera

About: Get ready for an evening that pops with Sophie Ellis-Bexter at Dubai Opera. The singer, songwriter and pop icon of the 2000s will perform her greatest hits including Murder on the Dance Floor and Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).

KT Tunstall live

Date: 26 October

Location: The Tent, Bla Bla Dubai

About: Dubai fans have the chance to catch Scottish musician KT Tunstall live at Bla Bla Dubai. On the night, you can expect to hear her perform hits like Suddenly I See, Hold On, and 1000 Years.

Calvin Harris live

Date: 26 October

Location: Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience

About: Get a taste of Ibiza right here in Dubai as Grammy Award winner Calvin Harris marks the opening concert at Ushuaia Dubai Harbour Experience. Get ready to dance to hits like Summer, Feel So Close, and How Deep Is Your Love, while a special guest appearance by Tyson O’Brien makes it an unforgettable experience.

DJ Liu x Barasti

Date: 26 October

Location: Barasti Beach

About: It’s raining beats at Barasti as DJ Liu brings his epic set of deep house and future house music straight from Tomorrowland to Dubai. This electronic music star has been making waves in the international circuit and will now spin top tunes at the beachfront destination.

Dubai Calendar allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer. For more information, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

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About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Licence Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

About Dubai Calendar

Dubai Calendar, the official listings platform for events in the city, is managed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an entity of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). A free resource online and via a dedicated mobile app, Dubai Calendar is the city’s go-to guide that allows residents and tourists to discover all the events, festivals and experiences Dubai has to offer, from arts, culture and education to food, sports and shopping. With more than 1,200 events per year, and new listings added every week, Dubai Calendar is an all-access pass to ‘what’s on’ in Dubai. For more information about events taking place across Dubai, please visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-events-calendar.

Source:   Zawya.

Kenya introduces digital nomad work permit and visa-free travel to boost tourism

President William Ruto announced plans to attract digital nomads to Kenya during the 2024 Magical Kenya Travel Expo.

According to the Head of State, the newly implemented Digital Nomad Work Permit enables remote workers from all over the world to live and work in Kenya, enriching their lives with the country’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture.

The President was speaking at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, where he emphasised Kenya’s growing reputation as a top global tourism destination.

He stated that by creating a welcoming environment for digital nomads, the government hopes to establish Kenya as a hub for remote work while also boosting the tourism industry.

“Digital nomads can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day while contributing to local economies,” President Ruto stated.

“This initiative not only enhances our appeal as a destination but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”

President Ruto also announced a visa-free policy for visitors from select countries, allowing tourists and business travellers to explore Kenya without the hassle of visa applications.

This policy aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to welcome people from around the world, encouraging tourism and cultural exchange.

Additionally, the President introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) specifically for transit passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

This allows travellers with layovers to step out of the airport and explore Kenya, enhancing their travel experience and encouraging longer stays in the country. T

The eTA caters to both transit and long-connection travellers, enabling them to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions during their time in Nairobi.

These initiatives come amid a resurgence in Kenya’s tourism sector, which generated Ksh 352 billion in revenue in 2023 from over 2 million visitors.

With an ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists per year by 2027, the government understands the significance of appealing to a modern audience that values work-life balance and unique travel experiences.

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo, now in its 14th year, provides an important platform for connecting local businesses with international markets and fostering partnerships that promote long-term growth in the tourism industry.

The event highlights Kenya’s distinct offerings, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, which appeal to both digital nomads and travelers.

Source: Citizen

Qantas launches historic Airbus A380 flights to Johannesburg and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare

Qantas has made history with the launch of its inaugural Airbus A380 flight (QF63) between Sydney and Johannesburg, marking the first time the Superjumbo (VH-OQH today) has operated between Australia and Africa. The new route will run up to six times per week, adding 130,000 seats annually and reintroducing First Class and an expanded Premium Economy offering. The A380 also features an upper deck lounge for First and Business passengers.

In addition to the capacity boost, Qantas has announced a codeshare partnership with Johannesburg-based Airlink, offering seamless connections to nine South African destinations, including Cape Town and Durban, with plans to expand further into southern Africa.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace highlighted the airline’s long history of flying to South Africa and emphasised the importance of the additional capacity and enhanced connectivity for tourism, business, and trade between the two continents. Fares for the new flights and codeshare connections are available for booking now, with travel beginning in late October 2024.

Source:   Aviation24

Kenya signs tourist security MOU, targets 5M visitors by 2027

Kenya’s Ministry of Interior has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance tourist security. The agreement, signed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, aims to improve cooperation with the National Police Service.

The MoU will provide resources to the Tourism Police Unit through the Tourism Fund, ensuring the safety and well-being of both local and foreign visitors. Kindiki stated that this collaboration would help expand the sector and create more job opportunities.

The government aims to increase annual foreign tourist arrivals from 2 million to 5 million by 2027 and 10 million by 2032. Kenya generated Sh142.5 billion in tourism revenue in the first half of 2024, with international visitors increasing by 21.3% compared to 2023.

Tourism CS Miano highlighted the ministry’s commitment to strengthening links with the private sector, aiming to make tourism the country’s leading foreign exchange earner and job creator. Domestic tourism also saw growth, with a 10% increase in bed nights recorded compared to the previous year.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior government officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.

Read more

Source: AllAfrica

Over 30 Airlines Seek Regulator Nod for Kenya’s Airspace

Saudi Arabian Airlines, Bluebird Aviation, Jetways and the African Express Airways are among airlines seeking licenses and from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) for either domestic or international air-services.

The Authority says it has received over 30 applications from companies seeking to tap into the airline business with some airlines seeking to add new aircraft model to their fleet.

If granted a license, Bluebird Aviation will operate international scheduled air service for passengers, cargo and mail services on Arusha, Mogadishu, Entebbe, Kigali and Zanzibar routes via either Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Jetways Airlines is seeking to be granted pass to operate domestic air service for passengers, cargo and mail on Mombasa, Ukunda, and Lodwar routes using aircraft type F50, F70 and F100 based at JKIA and Wilson Airport.

Seven other companies (SAC, Dragonfly, Lady Lori, Astral Aviation, Airvan, Flight Training Center and Northwood Agencies) are seeking variation of their existing air service licence to include additional aircraft types.

Saudi Arabian Airlines is seeking a license to operate non-scheduled air services for cargo with Nairobi connections while the Tanzania Air Services wants the same for international non-scheduled air services for passengers, cargo and mail between designated points in Kenya and Tanzania using aircraft types; BE20, B350, B190 and F406 based in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Earlier in the year, KCAA granted approvals and variations to several air service licenses, reflecting an expansion in the mix of domestic and international operations.

Commercial Passengers

According to KCAA statistics on commercial passenger traffic, the total number of passengers handled increased by 16.8 percent from 10.1 million in 2017 to 11.8 million in 2018.

Domestic and international passengers increased by 22.5 per cent and 13.1 per cent, respectively, in 2018. International passenger arrivals increased by 13.3 per cent from 3.0 million in 2017 to 3.4 million in 2018 while international passenger departures increased by 16.7 percent from 1.8 million in 2017 to 2.1 million in 2018. Similarly, the number of international passengers in transit increased by 7.7 per cent from 1.3 million in 2017 to 1.4 million in 2018.

Cargo and Mail

The volume of commercial cargo traffic increased by 23.3 per cent from 290.8 thousand tonnes in 2017 to 358.7 thousand tonnes in 2018. Cargo handled at JKIA increased by 24.8 per cent to 340.8 thousand tonnes while that handled at MIA increased by 11.1 per cent to 4.0 thousand tonnes in 2018.

However, the volume of cargo handled in other airports decreased by 2.1 per cent from 14.2 thousand tonnes in 2017 to 13.9 thousand tonnes in 2018. The total volume of mail traffic increased by 35.8 per cent from 617.0 tonnes in 2017 to 837.6 tonnes in 2018, largely on account of a 36.2 per cent increase in the volume of mail traffic handled at JKIA.

Source:    Kenyan Wallstreet

Dubai to increase share in global medical tourism market

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have embarked on an exceptional new phase to increase Dubai’s share in the global medical tourism market.

This effort aims to cement Dubai’s position as the preferred and most distinguished destination for healthcare, quality of life, and overall happiness.

The two entities reinforced their partnership to achieve this strategic goal by recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (left in the image), and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (right in the image), signed the MoU in the presence of several officials and experts from both sides.

The MoU’s objectives and areas of cooperation are based on the Dubai Health Authority’s focus on achieving competitiveness, operational efficiency, and transparency, while ensuring the quality of healthcare services and products in accordance with approved policies and the highest global standards.

It also aims to foster and support innovation and future foresight across all healthcare fields. Additionally, it aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. This includes making the city the best place in the world to visit, live and work in, while enhancing its competitiveness in global economic and tourism indices and reinforcing the emirate’s stability and role as a global hub for economy, trade, tourism, logistics, and investment.

Source:   Bio spectrum

Infrastructure, policy seen as key to boosting Africa’s travel, tourism – Experts

Infrastructure development and visa policy review have been identified as indices that can boost travel and tourism across Africa.

The experts, who were panelists during discussion on how Africa’s tourism sector can be developed, at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Markets, held at Eko Hotels and Suits, Lagos, said there must be deliberate efforts to develop community tourism as well as ease stringent visa policy on the continent.

Setting the tone for the discussion, Akinbulejo Onabolu, head, Enterprise segment, MTN Nigeria, in a presentation listed issues such as digital divide and limited Internet access, limited transportation, inadequate facilities and lack of basic amenities such as good roads, water, electricity as those beseting tourism on the continent.

According to Onabolu, “Technology plays a vital role in addressing the many challenges,” adding that good marketing and promotion of tourists’ products, sustainability initiatives and good payment platforms and solutions will turn the sector around.

Also speaking, Bayo Omomowo, head, Information Technology, MoMo PSB, MTN, also stressed the need for seamless payment platforms for tourists at any location on the continent, saying ‘technology will enhance tourism discovery’.

Ahmed Naaman of Dodo Travels in Ghana and Davidson Mugisha from Rwanda, spoke in the same direction by urging African governments to ease visa rules and policy.

“Visa issuance is a major issue for the past 20 years, for tourists. There is need to lower.exorbitant visa processing fees and review some policies”, Naaman said

Edi Lawani, Chief Executive Officer, Kuruku Nigeria, called for concerted efforts to promote the sector.

He wants stakeholders to prevail on government to make policies that would in turn create enabling environment for the sector to thrive.

“We are only scratching the surface, we need to engage government’, he said.

Adama Bah of the Gambia tourism decried lack of implementation of some good policies by African governments, saying the continent can convene World Travel Market if it gets its acts together.

“We have a problem of lack of or partial implementation of Blueprints in Africa, otherwise, if we get the support of African Union, we will ensure we have a Pan African Travel market because our biggest asset is our culture. Also, government must support the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises “, Bah said.

Akwaaba Travel Market has become the largest gathering of tourism stakeholders in West Africa, promoting the rich tourism potentials in Nigeria, the West Africa and the entire African continent

For the past 20 years, the organisers have brought the world together for the travel and tourism exhibition fair and the 20th edition equally witnessed several high-profile newcomers making their debut

Also the #JollofRiceWar returned at the opening featuring 10 chefs who prepared different delicacies of Jollof Rice to satisfy the culinary cravings of the participants.

Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segments, Enterprise Business in her presentation said the MTN was committed to promoting tourism in Africa with its digital solutions.

“We will be working together with ecosystem if partners to drive productivity and desire to improve businesses. Our desire is to enable businesses to become more productive.

Source: Business Day

Skyward Express expands to Tanzania with direct flights

Budget airline Skyward Express is launching direct flights from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam on 15 November 2024, marking its first international route. The airline will operate three weekly flights using a Fokker 100 aircraft. This expansion adds competition to the route, which is also served by Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania.

Skyward Express currently operates domestic flights within Kenya and recently opened a new hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The airline aims to attract business professionals and tourists, capitalising on growing visitor numbers between Kenya and Tanzania.

The number of visitors from Kenya to Tanzania has grown significantly, increasing 2.8 times last year to 89,000, driven mainly by holidaymakers and business travellers. This new route is expected to further boost tourism and business connections between the two East African nations.

Source: Business Daily

Mombasa governor picks up push for open skies to boost coast tourism

Mombasa governor Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir has called for the implementation of the open skies policy to enable international flights to land directly in Mombasa.

Nassir says this will accelerate growth of the tourism sector in the region as more international tourists will be coming to the island.

“We are pushing for the open sky policy so that Mombasa can have access to 320 cities in the world,” Nassir said

Mombasa is one of the coastal counties depending on the tourism industry to generate revenue and source of employment for thousands of residents.

The industry suffered a blow due to the coronavirus pandemic which led to the suspension of travel, therefore crippling the sector.

Governor Nassir, however, noted that he has held meetings with players in the industry to strategize on how the business will stay afloat, saying that easing restrictions and introducing incentives among other interventions will help attract global flights land at the Mombasa International Airport.

Stakeholders want more scheduled flights to Mombasa but the challenge facing some of the operators include frustrations in applying for licenses.

Some of the airlines that used to travel to Mombasa directly include Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, and Emirates among others.

“We need to improve international tourism and by bringing these airlines then it directly translates to foreign exchange and opportunists for our people. This will be a game changer,” Nassir added

 Source:   NTV Kenya

New tourism circuits unveiled to showcase Kenya’s hidden gems

Kenya’s tourism sector is set for a significant boost following the unveiling of nine regional tourism circuits by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.

Launched as part of the broader Tembea Kenya initiative, the circuits aim to diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings and promote lesser-known attractions, targeting both domestic and international tourists.

These circuits, covering all 47 counties, mark a renewed effort to reimagine the country’s tourism landscape and present Kenya as a destination that offers a wide array of experiences ranging from adventure and culture to eco-tourism and wellness.

The launch event, held in Kisumu County, was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, who underscored the importance of the circuits in reinvigorating Kenya’s tourism industry.

Miano emphasized that these circuits would provide travelers with holistic and immersive experiences, taking them on a journey through Kenya’s diverse attractions. She highlighted the initiative’s focus on aligning with global travel trends, while emphasizing conservation and sustainability.

The circuits are designed to cater to various niche markets, including adventure, sports, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, and wellness tourism, offering something for every type of traveler.

The nine tourism circuits span different regions: the Nairobi Circuit, Central Kenya Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Northern Circuit, Western Circuit, Southern Circuit, North Rift Circuit, South Rift Circuit, and Eastern Circuit.

Each circuit showcases unique features from the respective regions, ranging from Nairobi’s urban culture to the beaches and marine life of the Coastal Circuit, the desert landscapes in the Northern Circuit, and the rich cultural heritage of the Western Circuit.

This regional approach is expected to encourage travelers to explore Kenya in a more immersive way, highlighting attractions that were previously overlooked or underdeveloped.

One of the core goals of the Tembea Kenya initiative is to stimulate domestic tourism by encouraging Kenyans to explore the beauty and diversity of their own country. To achieve this, Miano announced plans for targeted marketing campaigns to promote the circuits among local travelers.

She urged Kenyans to savor the diverse experiences their home regions have to offer, and revealed that the Ministry will be launching a nationwide photo contest, inviting citizens to share images that capture the essence of their regions. The initiative not only promotes tourism but also encourages pride in local culture and heritage.

The unveiling of the nine circuits coincided with Kenya Tourism Week celebrations, which took place in Kisumu County. As part of the celebrations, various events and activities were organized to highlight the unique tourist attractions of the region, including visits to Ndeere Island and tree planting at Kajulu Hills.

Cultural showcases, such as fashion shows and street art displays, also took center stage. The involvement of local youth was a key element of the celebrations, with hackathons and other programs providing platforms for young people to demonstrate their innovation and creativity in promoting tourism.

Narok County Governor, Patrick Ole Ntutu, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Tourism and Wildlife Committee, expressed strong support for the new circuits.

He called for increased government investment in the tourism sector, pointing out that tourism, if properly developed, has the potential to become the largest contributor to Kenya’s GDP and a major source of employment, particularly for the youth.

Ntutu emphasized the immense potential of the tourism sector in driving economic growth across counties, and he pledged to advocate for greater prioritization of tourism at the county level.

According to Ntutu, the new circuits provide an opportunity for counties to harness their unique attractions and contribute to the national economy.

Youth engagement and participation were key themes at the event, as evidenced by the tourism excellence awards that were presented. Categories like Start-up Company of the Year, Conservation Champion of the Year, Travel Content Creator of the Year, Peace Advocate, and Community Impact Award recognized the contributions of individuals and organizations making a positive impact in tourism and conservation.

The youth-driven hackathon also garnered attention, producing an innovative technology-based solution for conference packaging, which could further enhance Kenya’s tourism sector.

Principal Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with county governments to enhance the competitiveness of tourism destinations across all regions.

He noted that the circuits would enable the Ministry to focus efforts on increasing bed nights, lengthening visitor stays, encouraging repeat visits, and ultimately improving the overall visitor experience.

By collaborating with counties, the Ministry aims to address any existing gaps in infrastructure and services, ensuring the growth of tourism nationwide.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, June Chepkemei, emphasized that the KTB would play a key role in marketing the circuits to highlight Kenya’s diverse attractions. She pointed out that promoting tourism in all counties would drive inclusive growth and solidify Kenya’s position as a must-visit destination for both local and international travelers.

Chepkemei highlighted that by showcasing the unique offerings of every region, the circuits will spread tourism benefits more evenly, helping to uplift local economies and create opportunities for communities across the country.

The unveiling of the nine tourism circuits marks a major milestone in Kenya’s tourism strategy, offering travelers new, exciting, and diverse experiences.

By promoting regional tourism and focusing on emerging travel trends, Kenya is poised to enhance its reputation as a top global destination while boosting domestic travel. The circuits have energized the tourism sector, with county governments, local communities, and youth actively participating in shaping the future of Kenya’s tourism industry.

As the Kenya Tourism Week celebrations come to a close, it is clear that the country’s tourism landscape is set to enter a dynamic new phase, with the circuits playing a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and enhancing the visitor experience.

Source:   Standard Media