In a show of appreciation for Kenya’s travel trade community, Turkish Airlines, in collaboration with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), hosted a special Iftar dinner for travel agents at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort. The event brought together leading travel professionals and senior county officials to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan in a spirit of networking and camaraderie.
Among those in attendance were Mombasa County Executive Committee Members Mohamed Osman Ali, in charge of Tourism, Culture and Trade, and Mr. Ibrahim, who oversees the Blue Economy docket. Their presence underscored the county government’s recognition of aviation and travel agents as critical drivers of coastal tourism growth.
The evening provided an opportunity for KATA members to engage directly with representatives from Turkish Airlines, strengthening professional relationships and exploring new industry opportunities. Speaking at the gathering, the airline’s General Manager noted that since resuming operations to the Kenyan coast, Turkish Airlines has transported more than 13,000 travellers to Mombasa — a figure that signals renewed international confidence in the destination and highlights the airline’s growing footprint in the region.
County Tourism Executive Mohamed Osman Ali indicated that he would table discussions to increase the airline’s frequency from the current three weekly flights to five, a move that could significantly boost seat capacity, improve connectivity and stimulate further tourism inflows to the coast.
While the atmosphere remained celebratory, the evening also provided space for candid industry dialogue. KATA Coast Liaison Officer Patrick Kamanga challenged the airline to address operational challenges that agents encounter when working with the carrier, noting that resolving these concerns would strengthen agent confidence and enhance their ability to actively promote and sell the airline’s services.
The dinner featured traditional dishes and cultural entertainment, creating a warm and festive environment. Beyond the spiritual significance of Ramadan, the gathering highlighted the growing emphasis on engagement, partnership and mutual accountability between airlines and travel professionals in Kenya.
Events such as the Turkish Airlines–KATA Iftar dinner underline the importance of building strong networks, deepening collaboration with county governments, and recognizing the pivotal role travel agents play in sustaining a vibrant and competitive travel and tourism industry along Kenya’s coast.
