Counties gear up to display tourism potential in Berlin

Frantic herd of wildebeest crossing the Mara River. The ITB, the biggest tourism market place in the world, is a platform to create new business partnerships and prepare for future co-operation.  [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

By PHILIP MWAKIO

NAIROBI, KENYA: This year’s International Tourism Bourse (ITB) set for Berlin, Germany will see several Kenyan counties participating under the umbrella of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

This year’s event, which will see Kenya’s participation led by Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie from March 5 to 9, will involve 48 Kenyan firms including the counties.

 The ITB is the world’s largest tourism convention, which has over the past 10 years brought together 113,000 experts from destination countries to catch up on the latest industry trends and discuss business strategies.

Important topics of different tourism segments (future, hospitality, wellness, social media, corporate social responsibility, business travel and MICE travel technology among others) as well as specific regions or destinations preset are discussed.

Leading the pack among the counties are Kwale and Mombasa respectively from Coast region, which account for close to 60 per cent of tourist arrivals in the country.

According to Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Managing Director, Muriithi Ndegwa other counties expected to have representation at the ITB are Machakos, Busia, Bungoma, Nyamira, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Uasin Gishu and Vihiga.

This, he added is on top of West Pokot, Nyandarua, Samburu, Nandi, Nakuru, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Nyamira, Isiolo, Kitui and Marsabit.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (Kahc) Coast Branch Executive officer, Sam Ikwaye described the decision by counties to participate in the annual fair as good and timely.

A CLEAR SIGNAL

“Their participation is a clear signal that counties have finally realised the potential in tourism and the need to work closely with both the central Government and KTB to ensure that tourism is boosted,’’ he said.

However, Mr Ikwaye was quick to add that there was need to tread carefully on the possibility of having all the Kenyan counties participating in the trade fair.

“We should not have a situation where everybody is going for these trade fairs. All counties need to put their resources together through the KTB which is mandated to market destination Kenya to the outside world,’’ said the KAHC official.

Kwale County Executive in charge of tourism and ICT, Adan Sheikh said that they agreed as a county to support KTB by participating in the annual event, which is used to market Kenya as a preferred tourist destination.

He noted that no investor worth his salt could directly engage county when it comes to matters tourism without involving KTB.

“KTB has the capacity to carry out research, has detailed data on customer base, environment and competition in the market which are vital components to consider when planning tourism investment,’’ Sheikh who will be travelling to Berlin for ITB said.

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Sheikh said that over the last one year, Kwale County has continued to attract major investors in the hospitality industry with two new hotels opening in January - Lofta Resort in Diani and Maji Boutique Hotel. Another one is coming up in Msambweni.

‘’We have also received inquiries from some Chinese investors who are keen on setting base here to invest,’’ Sheikh said. Ikwaye noted that KTB remains underfunded and asked the counties to work with the top tourism marketer in pulling resources together.