ETW STAFF – Mumbai
India has become the primary source market for Kenya in Asia region with 51,492 Indian arrivals to the destination for the period January – October 2012. From year 2009 till 2012, there has been an overall growth of 73.32 per cent in the Indian arrivals, thus making it a highly potential market for Kenya. India recently rose to be within the top five markets in tourist arrivals for Kenya.
Acknowledging the growing prominence of the India market and enhancing the tourism and business ties, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), leads the delegation to India of 18 companies that include flight operators, hoteliers, tour operators and Kenya Wildlife Service, for a road show that is to be held from January 22 to 24, 2013 in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai, respectively.
The road show will be attended by Atua Enkop Africa, African Quest Safaris, Cosmic Safaris, Golden Holidays Travel Group Kenya – India, Holiday Bazaar Kenya Wildlife Trails, Mada Hotels East Africa, Mitoni Africa Safaris, Private Safaris, Safari Trails, Safarilink Aviation, Sarova Hotels, Sun Africa Hotels, UNIGLOBE Silverbird Travel Plus, Travelcare, Travel Wild East Africa, Travel Wild East Africa, Vintage Africa and Wildtrek Safaris.
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There is a notable shift in tourism traffic from being just traditionally VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) to an increased number of leisure and business tourist arrivals. The incentive market has continued to grow and Kenya Tourist Board forecasts an even more accelerated growth in this segment. Indians love the Kenya safari and diverse tourism products ranging from pristine white sandy beaches that are close to marine and national park at the Kenya coast to snow capped Mt Kenya on the equator, the Great Rift Valley and its lakes teaming with bird life; and its wildly natural beauty. The popular tourist attractions and activities in Kenya are:
Safari: Kenya is home to the iconic Maasai Mara and a wide range of other safaris such as 4X4, balloon safari, horseback safari, helicopter safari, walking safari, etc. Abundant wildlife means it is an ideal destination for both first-time and seasoned safari travellers. There is a mix of lavish, colonial-style lodges, boutique hotels and amenity-packed resorts to choose from.
Beach: Besides the beauty and tranquility, the beaches of Kenya offer opportunities for water sports and other beach vacation activities. More than 50 per cent of Kenya’s international standard hotels are based along the coast. Activities include dolphin watching, dhow trips, visit to the marine parks, deep-sea fishing and scuba safari.
Adventure sports: White water rafting takes place in Sagana at the River Tana. The Hell’s Gate National Park is located near Lake Naivasha on the Great Rift Valley, about an hours’ drive from Nairobi where visitors can enjoy cycling. Mt Kenya Climbing Adventure safari is a challenge to many seasoned mountain climbers.
Nightlife: While most tourists come to see animals in the game reserves, lakes and mountains, many others visit popular towns like Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu and Malindi to enjoy many interesting sights, sounds and entertainment offered in these towns. There are many nightclubs, discos, casinos, bars and pubs in Nairobi, Malindi as well as in Mombasa which provide complete entertainment to tourists.
