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

Tourism CS Miano opens game parks for free on World Tourism Day

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has announced free entry to all game parks and reserves for Kenyans on Saturday, September 28, as part of the UN World Tourism Week celebrations kicking off on Monday.

This initiative aims to promote domestic tourism and encourages Kenyans to explore and appreciate the nation’s rich heritage, according to Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.

During a World Rhino Day event at Sereolipi School in Samburu County on Sunday, CS Miano emphasized the importance of this opportunity.

“The culmination of this significant event will allow Kenyans free access to all game parks and reserves on Saturday, September 28, 2024,” she stated.

Miano urged citizens to take full advantage of the chance to discover the country’s natural attractions.

“I encourage Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to see what our parks and reserves have to offer,” she added. The CS also reminded visitors to adhere to safety regulations while exploring these wildlife-rich areas.

This year’s UN World Tourism Day will focus on the crucial role of the tourism sector in promoting peace, fostering cultural understanding, and supporting reconciliation efforts worldwide. The theme, Tourism and Peace, underscores the connection between travel and peaceful coexistence.

Regarding rhino conservation, Miano highlighted Kenya’s commitment to protecting rhino populations and other wildlife for future generations.

At the Ministry level, we have embraced innovative technologies such as drones and forensic evidence to strengthen our rhino conservation efforts,” she explained.

“I assure the global community that Kenya will continue playing its part in wildlife conservation, especially in expanding rhino ranges and ensuring their protection for posterity.”

Kenya’s Rhino Population

Kenya is a vital habitat for the eastern black rhino subspecies, which can be found in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Sera Community Conservancy, and five private sanctuaries in the Laikipia region. Laikipia alone is home to over half of Kenya’s total rhino population.

CS Miano noted that the implementation of the previous six editions of the rhino recovery action plan, along with the ongoing seventh edition, has increased black rhino populations by over 100 percent.

In 1989, Kenya’s rhino population stood at fewer than 400. By the end of 2022, estimates had surged to an impressive 1,890 rhinos, including 966 black rhinos, 922 white rhinos, and two northern whites.

Kenya currently ranks third in black rhino population, following South Africa and Namibia.

Miano indicated that the ongoing national wildlife census may reveal even higher rhino numbers than those recorded in 2022. She proudly noted, “Kenya is honored to host the world’s last remaining female northern white rhino, following the death of Sudan in 2018. His stuffed figurine now resides at the Nairobi National Museums as a lasting relic of an extraordinary species in our diverse wildlife portfolio.”

Additionally, Miano expressed optimism about the efforts of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and other global researchers working to revive the northern white rhino from extinction.

“This ambitious and commendable effort aims to create northern white rhino embryos from genetic material and eventually implant them into southern white rhino females to produce calves,” she said.

Source:   Nairobi Wire.  

New agreement to boost medical tourism and investment in Dubai.

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the emirate’s medical tourism sector.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, signed the MoU in the presence of several officials from both sides.

Areas of cooperation

The MoU aims to enhance mutual cooperation to implement a range of strategic initiatives that support and achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. This includes attracting investments to accelerate the growth of the healthcare sector in the emirate and showcasing the best healthcare services available including digital health, supporting business development for potential investors, and accelerating their business growth journey.

It covers investor-related services such as business registration, as well as providing logistical and organisational support in accordance with regulations and each party’s jurisdiction.

Under this MoU, the two parties will work to build and establish a broad network of international partners to support Dubai’s economy by attracting local and foreign investors to the healthcare sector in the emirate. They will contribute to enhancing medical tourism by promoting opportunities for official delegations to visit healthcare facilities in Dubai, in accordance with the facilities’ regulations.

Additionally, they will work to advance the exchange of knowledge and research in the healthcare sector, as well as explore potential investment opportunities.

The parties will also support activities related to the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, which is overseen by DET. This programme aims to attract international conferences and meetings to the city, as well as enhance collaboration in local and international events designed to promote and market the emirate. Both parties will focus on attracting major global medical conferences and strengthening cooperation in the fields of exhibitions and workshops related to medical tourism.

Growth in medical tourism

A recent report by DHA revealed that Dubai attracted 691,478 medical tourists from around the world last year, with their healthcare expenditures surpassing Dh1.034 billion – outperforming 2022 figures, when 674,000 medical tourists spent Dh992 million.

In addition, the indirect revenues from medical tourism last year exceeded Dh2.305 billion, fuelling significant contributions to Dubai’s GDP by driving growth across key sectors such as aviation, hotels, hospitality, telecommunications, and beyond

Almarri stated: “The signing of this MoU with the Dubai Health Authority is a step in this direction and will strengthen our ability to build relationships with a wide network of partners to attract a significant segment of the target audience. We look forward to working together to attract investments for pioneering projects in the healthcare sector, host major global medical conferences and meetings, and make Dubai the preferred destination for travellers seeking top-quality services.”

Al Ketbi said: “Dubai has leveraged all its resources, including advanced infrastructure, technology, smart solutions, systems, legislation, and facilitation, to create promising investment opportunities in the healthcare sector and provide a secure healthcare environment. This, in turn, has attracted a significant number of international hospitals and leading specialised centres to choose Dubai as their base, as well as individuals seeking a high quality of life and well-being.”

Source:     Gulf News

Uganda Airlines Expansion: A gateway to regional integration

COMMENT |  DEREK NSEKO  | A few weeks ago, the East African Community block advanced plans for air transport liberalization. It got me thinking about the possibilities; greater connectivity, lower fares and as a result stimulated demand. Its a cocktail of desirables for the East African traveler. Uganda Airlines is now a significant part of this equation as the designated carrier of Uganda. It has been five years of the national airline’s journey toward regional and global connectivity.

Recently, the airline unveiled an expansion of its route network, adding new destinations: Abuja in Nigeria, Lusaka in Zambia, and Harare in Zimbabwe. The expansion brings Uganda Airlines’ reach to 13 countries, serving 17 destinations with 20 routes, solidifying its role as a strategic player in the region’s aviation sector.

The economic impact of this route expansion cannot be overstated. With Abuja being one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, another direct link between Uganda and Nigeria opens up numerous opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, and fostering direct connections with such a powerhouse is strategic for Uganda’s economic diversification. Similarly, Lusaka and Harare are crucial economic centers in Southern Africa. By connecting to these cities, Uganda Airlines is not just serving passengers; it’s creating a bridge for business communities, investors, and tourists to explore the untapped potential of the region.

Tourism, one of Uganda’s key economic sectors, stands to benefit immensely from this expansion. I have been a strong advocate for increased air connectivity as i appreciate its impact on the appetite for tourists to travel to the country. Its an important part of the formula for tourism success so the national airline’s new routes are a welcome development. The airline’s growing network facilitates easier access for tourists seeking to explore Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. This influx of visitors will have a ripple effect, boosting sectors such as hospitality, transport, and local culinary businesses. Additionally, enhanced connectivity can attract multinational companies looking to establish regional offices in a centrally located and well-connected country.

While alot of African airlines tend to focus on blue ribbon routes connecting to big name destinations such as New York, London, Paris etc, this mindset has left our continent poorly connected, creating a situation where some cities within Africa can only be connected by air via a gulf or European hub. It is unacceptable and intra African routes should be encouraged. So beyond direct economic benefits, the expanded network enhances Uganda’s geopolitical significance. The new routes signify more than just flights; they represent Uganda’s commitment to being an active participant in the narrative of a connected, prosperous Africa.

It is easy to assume that the existence of the national airline is a given. Afterall it is a national asset with the full support of the country’s purse. However, the past few years have taught us that even governments can give up on supporting national airlines especially in the face of black swan events such as covid. So it’s important that the airline continues to justify its investment to the taxpayer. Five years is a landmark worth celebrating. However, it should also signify a shift in gears from startup phase to establishing sustainable growth. It is an important time in the national carrier’s trajectory.

Route expansion in the airline industry is a complex and strategic process that involves much more than just adding new destinations to a network. It requires detailed planning, coordination, and investment to ensure the new routes are profitable, sustainable, and beneficial for both the airline and the broader economy. From an African context, the lack of a liberalized air transport market means that launching new routes, especially internationally, often involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks. New routes are often restrictive and their operation is guided by negotiated bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) between countries. These agreements determine the frequency of flights, the number of airlines allowed to operate, and any restrictions or protections imposed by the respective governments. So recent developments at the national airline have to be appreciated from this context.

I believe a thriving national airline is a testament to the resilience and ambition of the Ugandan people. In its five-year journey, Uganda Airlines has weathered challenges, including the global pandemic that grounded fleets worldwide. Yet, it has emerged stronger, adapting to new market dynamics and continuously seeking opportunities for expansion. This resilience is not just the story of an airline but of Uganda itself.

While growth is the goal, sustainability should be the guiding principle, ensuring that expansion efforts are financially prudent and environmentally conscious.

The airline’s success will resonate across multiple sectors, creating jobs, fostering trade, and promoting Uganda as a dynamic and accessible destination. The public’s support is essential—not just in patronizing the airline but in embracing it as a symbol of national ambition and progress.

The writer, Derek Nseko is an aviation analyst and CEO at Airspace Africa Email:derek@airspace-africa.com

World Tourism Day: How Travel Management Companies Can Promote Justice and Peace in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 18 – As we approach World Tourism Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the role Travel Management Companies (TMCs) play in fostering justice and peace.

TMCs Roundtable at KATA Offices: Industry leaders tackle travel sector challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions/ Photo Credits: Bryan Obala

This year’s theme encourages a deep and thoughtful examination of tourism’s impact on various global issues.

For Kenya, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, this reflection is especially pertinent. As the Managing Director of Hemingways Travel, I am excited to explore how these organizations can drive positive change by addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation.

Kenya’s tourism sector is a significant economic driver, but it also brings complex challenges.

The influx of visitors can impact local communities in various ways, necessitating a focus on equitable benefit distribution.

Travel agencies should prioritize supporting local businesses, fostering fair employment opportunities, and advocating for policies that safeguard vulnerable populations.

By promoting local engagement and ensuring that tourism revenues are channeled back into the communities that host travelers, they can help bridge the gap between tourists and residents, fostering a more inclusive and equitable tourism model.

Hemingways has been at the forefront of supporting rugby in Kenya and has partnered with some institutions in assisting less privileged members of the society in Kenya with food and basic commodities.

As a TMC we have been championing carbon emission reduction by ensuring our clients have adequate information of the carbon generated on all of their travel activities together with possible offset mechanisms.

Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.

TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.

Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.

By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.

We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.

Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.

By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.

Furthermore, addressing migration issues is critical. In Kenya, migration from rural to urban areas can strain infrastructure and resources.

TMCs can contribute to easing these pressures by developing tourism initiatives in less-visited regions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly and supporting rural development.

Encouraging travel to diverse destinations helps balance the influx of visitors and stimulates growth in underrepresented areas.

Climate change poses a significant threat to Kenya, with its impacts felt through extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

We play a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.

By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting conservation projects, and educating travelers about responsible behaviors, these entities can contribute to climate justice.

We must lead by example, incorporating green practices into our operations, such as reducing carbon footprints and supporting sustainable transportation options.

Collaborating with local conservation organizations to create eco-tourism experiences allows travelers to directly contribute to environmental protection.

By making sustainability a core aspect of our business, travel services can help set a benchmark for the industry and drive meaningful progress toward climate justice.

Travel businesses have a key role in developing tourism that celebrates and preserves local traditions rather than commodifying them.

We should work closely with local communities to create tourism initiatives that highlight and protect their cultural heritage.

This includes supporting traditional festivals, crafts, and indigenous practices.

By promoting authentic experiences and educating travelers about the importance of cultural preservation, we can contribute positively to the safeguarding of Kenya’s cultural richness.

In anticipation of World Tourism Day, it is crucial for TMCs to reaffirm our commitment to justice and peace through the following actions:

Promote Inclusive Tourism: Ensure that tourism benefits are shared fairly among local communities. Support local enterprises, create equitable job opportunities, and advocate for inclusive policies.

Champion Sustainability: Adopt and promote eco-friendly practices across our operations. Encourage clients to choose sustainable travel options and engage in conservation efforts.

Foster Diplomacy: Use tourism as a platform for cultural exchange and international understanding.

Facilitate respectful and meaningful interactions between travelers and local communities.

Preserve Cultural Heritage: Collaborate with local communities to develop tourism that respects and celebrates their cultural heritage.

Educate travelers on the importance of cultural preservation.

As World Tourism Day approaches, let us embrace this opportunity to reflect on and enhance our role in promoting justice and peace.

By addressing migration, social equity, climate justice, diplomacy, and cultural preservation, travel management companies can lead the way in creating a tourism industry that benefits all stakeholders and contributes positively to Kenya and the broader global community.

Together, we can harness the power of tourism to foster a more just and peaceful world.

Hemingways Travel Managing Director, Joseph Kithitu

Source:   Capital Fm.  

Fly in Style and Comfort to Dubai and Kinshasa on the Airbus A330-300 with Kenya Airways

Experience a new level of luxury when you fly to Dubai or Democratic Republic of Congo on the Airbus A330. Synonymous with comfort, relaxation and class, the Airbus A 330-300 is perfect for anyone looking for enhanced comfort as they travel. Guests can also enjoy our newly upgraded In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) selection featuring movies, shows and games.
Kenya Airways has deployed this luxurious aircraft on the daily flights to and from Dubai as well as to
Kinshasa, five times a week. It has a capacity of 46 business class flatbed seats for those who prefer tranquility and luxury and 203 economy class seats. The wide body provides ample space for belly cargo as well as overhead space.



Enjoy elevated comfort on your next flight to Dubai or Kinshasa with the Airbus A330-300.

Private sector’s role in developing Kenya’s niche tourism

Though better known for her iconic safaris and exquisite beach experiences, Kenya has huge untapped niche tourism potential awaiting exploration. Niche tourism—a preserve of adventure seekers looking for distinct experiences and enthusiasts of a range of thrills and penchants—presents an opportunity that Kenya’s tourism should consider veering into more intentionally. But which are Kenya’s most viable niche tourism offerings? Let’s consider six of the many.

Tembea Kenya

Cultural tourism can draw from Kenya’s vast traditional heritage with her close to 50 people groups. This form of tourism feeds off the curiosity of visitors desirous of immersions built around unique time-garlanded antiquity of such people as Waswahili or the Maa communities. That is not to say each community does not have its distinctive allures tenable for cultural tourism. Far from it! The best way of embellishing this particular niche of tourism is to include homestays and cultural tours. 

On eco-cum-conservation tourism, Kenya’s noteworthy biodiversity and keen commitment to conservation offer a reasonable foundation for eco-tourism. This niche enchants eco-conscious travellers who have a lot to sample in Kenya.

Adventure and sports tourism offers a low-hanging option for Kenya. Beyond our famed world-class athletes, marathoners and long-distance runners especially, Kenya is ripe for mountaineering, scuba diving, bird-watching, rock climbing, kite surfing and water rafting and more.

Kenya’s culinary diversity is excellent fodder for gastronomy tourism with her wide variety of flavourful dishes. Tourists can explore local food markets, take cooking classes and enjoy food tours that showcase Kenyan cuisine, from traditional delights to modern fusion dishes.

Kenya’s credentials as a travel hub with relatively good weather all year round makes for a perfect wellness and relaxation haven. From relaxation retreats to medical tourism, Kenya has what it takes to grow the wellness tourism niche.

Bird-watching tourism, is a rich niche tourism option for Kenya, courtesy of our diverse ecosystems that include wetlands, forests and grasslands where a wide variety of bird species dwell. Developing bird-watching trails, offering guided tours and promoting bird festivals can easily attract bird enthusiasts from around the world.

For niche tourism to thrive and attract good numbers, we need a strategic partnership with the private sector and feasible business models.

Private sector players are well placed to invest in accommodation facilities that are in sync with specific adventures tourists attracted by different niches would appreciate. For instance, hikers and bird-watchers are more likely to embrace camping sites with tented accommodation as opposed to tourists seeking medical tourism. This reality calls for thoughtfully designed facilities and experiences that offer entrepreneurs opportunities for investments. Transport is yet another area that the private sector can invest in to offer appropriate modes of moving tourists to their destination, be it in luxury vehicles of rugged carriages. Besides, for certain niche tourism experiences we need investors to set up such facilities as yoga studios, spas, botanical gardens, nature trails and so on.

It is one thing setting up niche tourism products but quite another telling the world what Kenya has on offer. Therefore, the private sector has its work cut out in marketing and branding so that tourists in all corners of the earth get the necessary information packaged captivatingly for uptake.

Ms Miano is the CS for Tourism and Wildlife

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Source: Standard Media