The Kenya Tourist Board intends to promote Kenya as a niche market for sports tourism and viable investment location during the Olympics to be held in London starting tomorrow, writes PETER MUIRURI
The tourism body intends to present Kenya as the home of Safari, clean and secure beaches, rich culture, training facilities for the athletes and general adventure among others.
This will part of the activities scheduled in London after the official opening of Kenya House at Stratford on Friday, creating a window into the wealth and unique opportunities the country has to offer ranging from investment opportunities, rich cultural heritage as well as Kenya’s dominance in the tourism sector.
Kenya hopes to capitalise on the more than seven million visitors to the Olympics, being part of the 13 million people expected to tour London this summer. The event will also give top Government officials a chance to engage with the many Kenyans in the Diaspora.
UK plays host to over half a million Kenyans.
Collaborated efforts
Apart from the tourism sector, Kenya House has been put together by various arms of the Government including the ministries of Finance, Trade and Industry, Youth and Sports and Information and Communication.
According to the Managing Director of the Kenya Tourist Board Muriithi Ndegwa, there will be online campaigns as well as print adverts in the UK’s consumer media aimed at getting those attending the games visit Kenya House.
To ensure that they do not miss any sporting events, guests will be able to watch live coverage of the Olympics using the in-house big screens as they soak in the friendly Kenyan atmosphere.
Visitors will also learn about the country as a favourite destination from a permanent exhibition showcasing the country’s past, present and future. There will be rare opportunities for guests to rub shoulders with record breaking Kenyan athletes, some of whom will also give some running tips.
“Among the speakers will be journalists who have been to the country on familiarisation tours and who have also trained with our athletes. We would like them to talk about their experiences while in Kenya since they are in a position to reach a big segment of external audiences.
Lined up too, will be opportunities to enjoy cultural performances, sample local foods and win some prizes.
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