Kenya welcomes visitors at World Travel Market

Britain is currently facing a winter and there could not have been a better time than cold wind-swept November days for Britons to turn out in full force at the World Travel Market in London to find a sun-soaked holiday  destination.

Kenya said karibu to thousands of visitors who turned up at its stand in the Africa Hall.

The 35th annual event, described as the leading global event for the travel industry showcasing the best of tourism attractions around the world was held at the ExCel Centre in east London in November.

Described as the world’s largest travel agency under one roof, it attracted nearly 5,000 participants from 186 countries representing destinations from Australia to Zambia.

The four-day event also brought in more than 50,000 visitors from the UK and abroad.

Though the event is primarily aimed at the international travel professionals to build their links, network and negotiate business, it also enticed potential travellers on open days.

Africa was represented by 516 participants ranging from national tourist boards, airlines to small and big players in the continent’s travel and tourism industry interested in new markets.

Once again, Kenya was well-represented at the event with over 45 participants. Exhibitors included Kenya Airways, Bomas of Kenya, Africa Eco-Camps, Eka Hotel, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Glory Tours, Jacaranda Hotels, Kenya Airports Authority, Safarilink Aviation, Sarova Hotels, Somak Safaris, Utalii Hotel and Kenya Wildlife Trails.

Others displaying their tourism attractions were county governments from North Rift, Narok and Samburu. They put up lively displays which attracted thousands of visitors.

Diaspora Kenyan Laviniah Karanja, this year’s winner of the prestigious Face of Kenya UK pageant added colour to Kenya’s stand.
The passionate young graduate mingled with visitors and exhibitors promoting Kenya and the country’s amazing beauty to those unaware of Kenya’s beauty.

Kenya Airways’ UK and America Area Manager Nita Nagi said the Diaspora could get involved actively in promoting Kenya and making the national carrier their airline of choice. Throughout the event, there was a constant reminder that Kenya has a superior tourism industry.

Impressed with its picturesque coastal lines and beaches, landscape and wildlife, many visitors said they would like to consider Kenya for their holiday.

Andrew James of Nottingham said though he would love to visit Kenya with his family in 2015 recent events and terror attacks have forced him to shelve his plans.

He keeps a close eye on travel advisories on Kenya issued by the British Government.

Many Britons fear that they would not be safe with security threats.

However, due to misinformation in the British media many Britons have also been put off from travelling to Kenya because of their misplaced fears of Ebola which is confined only to West Africa.

“Speaking with the Kenyan exhibitors, I had the unique opportunity to find out how these concerns of insecurity and violence have impacted on tourism and their view points on how to tackle and combat these concerns,” Laviniah said.

“Although Kenya has faced fresh challenges in the tourism sector, it still remains one the world’s great tourism destinations with its remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures and is now ready to soar to new exciting heights!”

Kenya made its mark at the event by earning awards.

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s work was recognised at the World Travel Market honouring it the runner-up title for Best Conservation Organisation at the World Responsible Tourism Awards.

The Mara Naboisho Conservancy was also Highly Commended for the Best Destination for Responsible Tourism. The awards were sponsored by the Oman Ministry of Tourism. The 2015 World Travel Market will be held at the ExCel Centre from 2 to 5 November.

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