Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
India has transitioned from being an emerging market for Kenya, marking a 30 per cent growth in visitor arrivals from January to July 2016. India is now the third largest source market for Kenya, after the UK and the US. Kenya Tourism Board is looking at attracting 70,000 Indian visitors in 2016, and increasing the number to one lakh arrivals by 2018. Kenya Tourism Board, along with Kenya Airways, recently launched the Kenya Kalling travel trade incentive and consumer campaign to ensure visibility of the destination throughout the year. Launching the campaign in Mumbai, Samuel Karicha, minister counselor, Kenya Embassy, said, “This is an opportunity for us to create awareness as to what Kenya offers as a tourism destination – the well known as well as the lesser known aspects.” The major attraction in Kenya is abundant wildlife living in its natural habitat and natural beauty.
Kenya is also trying to promote itself as a MICE destination for India outbound. Pointing out that the country is catering to the changing profile of the new age traveller, Karicha added,”The conferencing business has seen a marked growth with key global conferences being organised in Kenya.” The major reasons for this can be attributed to excellent conferencing infrastructure and airline connectivity.
Reminding that in 2017 Kenya Airways would complete 40 years of operation in India, Lucie Malu, country manager – India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, Kenya Airways, mentioned, “Currently we are operating two times a day into Mumbai, apart from Tuesday and Thursday when there is one flight.” The airline is also introducing an attractive all inclusive fare for the India market.
Highlighting what Kenya Kalling is all about, Hildah Ogada, assistant regional marketing manager, Kenya Tourism Board, said, “We are inviting Indian travellers to come to Kenya.” The Indian travel trade is being encouraged to sell more of Kenya, and is being encouraged to register at Kenya Kalling website to get exciting prizes.
“Kenya is a country of heritage, traditions and scenic landscapes, ranging from snowcapped mountains to beaches. The magical highlights of Kenya include not just the safari but exclusive experiences like hand-feeding giraffes and hot air ballooning,” said Rajeev Nangia, COO, Trac Representations (India).
Kenya government is providing waiver of visa fee to visitors below 16 years of age.