Firm urges Kenya to tap online tourism

By Macharia Kamau

Kenya’s tourism industry should exploit faster online speeds, increased uptake of e-commerce and the rise of social media networking to consolidate growth.

E-Tourism Frontiers Chief Executive Damien Cook said most tourists are searching the Internet for travel packages before making enquiries to tour operators.

"Online sales have experienced major growth in the past year. Travel is now the number one selling commodity online, generating over $110 billion annually in sales," he said.

"Growth in ICT in Kenya is likely to revolutionise tourism but players in the sector must get more products online for the travel shopper," Mr Cook said.

The firm will be holding a two-day conference, with a Travel Technology Exhibition in Nairobi between September 2-3, this year.

The conference is sponsored by Safaricom, KCB and Crowne Plaza Hotel. Cook said the conference will enable the sector understand and leverage on online opportunities.

Some of the world’s leading experts on online tourism, including Trip Advisor, Expedia, WAYN.com and Google will make presentations during the event.