Kenya urges South Africans to support its tourism growth

A total of one million foreign tourists visited Kenya in 2010, compared to 900 000 in 2009, and South Africans were ranked eighth overall, according to Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) figures. The SA number is a 108% recovery rate after visitor numbers stooped to 27 991 in 2009.

In January and February this year, close to 5000 South Africans have already visited Kenya's shores, mostly for leisure and business reasons.

Impressive recovery

"SA tour operators have supported this impressive recovery. They are an important link to this market and an invaluable channel for raising awareness of Kenya and marketing our country as a holiday destination for South Africans," KTB spokesperson Jennifer Opondo said at the Tourism Indaba 2011 in Durban.

"We have seen a resurgence of tourism in Kenya in the past two years, and we urge South Africans to come to Kenya in large numbers and experience unprecedented opportunities for adventure," Opondo said.

"Our presence at Indaba gives us the opportunity to showcase what our country has to offer as well as network with local agents and tour operators on an informal platform."

Kenya, Africa's fifth-biggest economy, has seen some unprecedented levels of post-election violence in 2007, which hampered its tourism growth and destroyed its reputation as a 'magical destination'.

But the country has since bounced back, forging a long-lasting peace and investing big money in rebuilding and revamping its infrastructure, including 17 new luxury hotels, roads, online and mobile access (both data and voice). Jomo Kenyatta, Kisumu and Mombasa airports are being revamped to contain the influx of visitors, and the port of Mombasa is also being upgraded to ready the country for cruise tourism.

Marketing in a structured manner

Opondo said KTB, which established a presence in SA by opening an office in Johannesburg, has begun to market Kenya in a structured manner, which includes focusing on the country's natural beauty for filming purposes.

Another marketing strategy includes visas on arrival, 24 hour-shopping malls, vibrant night life, cultural activities and culinary festivals.

"The opportunities are endless, even for short gateways, and we hope to work closely with the SA tourism trade to create innovative travel packages for South Africans wanting to broaden their holiday horizons," KTB marketing manager Fred Okeyo said.

Okeyo said the Joburg office is filling the need for easier access to information and advice about travelling to Kenya, adding that his organisation is engaging with the SA travel trade to design and promote packages that will entice more South Africans to visit her country.