Boost for tourism as expo kicks off at KICC

Kenya: More than 170 participants from 36 countries are in the country in readiness for the fourth edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE).

The event which aims to boost Kenya's tourism sector will run from October 8 to 10 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The expo was initiated to help place Kenya on the global tourism map. This borrows from other widely-publicised exhibitions that Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has bench-marked on and attended over the years.

KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa cited the Government's efforts in enhancing security to ensure Kenya is safe and open for business. "The arrival of these key tour operators is yet another strong sign that Kenya is open for business," said Ndegwa.

The hosted buyers who will be accompanied by KTB staff both from the headquarters and the 15 satellite offices in 15 countries across the globe are to traverse the country to sample Kenya's rich tourism products.

The official opening of the business opportunity that has attracted between 101 exhibitors and the 170 hosted buyers among them tourism boards from Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, India, Indonesia and South Africa kicks off on Wednesday. Ndegwa said new entrants include Djibouti, Sudan and Indonesia. Among the top invited guests are senior officials of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.