Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will leverage on key international events hosted in the country as a platform to drive both domestic and international tourists. This, according to KTB, is one of the strategies aimed at boosting tourist numbers that have recorded a drop as a result of insecurity.
In a press briefing during the sixth edition of Diani Touch Rugby held over the weekend in Diani, KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said key annual events held across the country have the potential to grow tourism. "A number of county governments and private sector have hosted and continue to host key events that have the potential to attract international participation," Mr Ndegwa said. "KTB shall continue to leverage on these avenues to grow the tourism sector."
This year's Diani Beach Touch Rugby attracted representatives from UK, France and Tanzania along with local participation. Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee said the beach rugby tournament is recognised internationally and observed that the sport will market Kenya's coastal beaches. "Touch rugby is no longer a small event, it is recognition globally. I call for more focus on marketing to encourage more international participation. The union will collaborate with organisers to bring more international participants."
Muthee said the presence of the international participants in this year's edition was an indication and expression of confidence on the country's resilience in light of recent travel advisories as a result of insecurity incidents. Ndegwa said international events such as the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in June, Maralal Camel Derby in August, and Lamu Cultural Festival in November have raised Kenya's profile, attracting international and domestic participation.
Tourism products
He said KTB will closely work with county governments in marketing and promoting key events to domestic and international recognition. "We are certain besides these events going a long way in opening up respective counties, they are also in sync with efforts being made towards diversification of tourism products," said Mr Ndegwa.
This year's Diani Touch Rugby happened at the backdrop of insecurity in the coastal region that has contributed to the drop of tourist numbers to the destination.
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