"Kenya: Airports Upgrade May Open Up US Market"

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Kenya: Airports Upgrade May Open Up US Market
By Claire Gatheru
Kenya - The Nation


Nairobi - Lack of direct flights from the United States has been the
greatest challenge to tourists visiting the country.

However, the major airports are currently undergoing a major expansion
programme to enable them to meet international standards in an effort to
bring in more visitors and reduce their flight hours, the chairman of the
Kenya Tourist Board Jake Grieves-Cook has said.

"Our international airports are currently going through a major expansion
programme, with the help of the World Bank, which will result in their
receiving the necessary certification by the US Federal Aviation Authority,
eventually facilitating direct flights between Kenya and the United States
in the near future." he said.

The KTB chairman urged 55 American agents visiting the country for the first
time to sell Kenya positively as a tourist destination, despite the negative
travel advisories.

Rich culture

"Kenya being a natural ecotourism destination and rich in culture exhibited
by 42 different ethnic groups, the onus is upon us to send the word out
strongly and consistently, so that we can claim our fare share of the
tourist market world wide. Some of our Kenyan hotels and lodges have
received worldwide recognition for eco-consciousness, and we want to ensure
that this is sustained and embraced by all our industry players, hoteliers
and tour operators alike." The sector is putting more emphasis in uplifting
quality and providing value experiences to our guests, he said.

"The Government is very conscious of the existing challenges at the home. We
continue to work hard at improving infrastructure, and ensuring safety and
security throughout the country for both visitors and Kenyans alike, " the
chairman said. The 55 visitors from the United States and Canada are in the
country for a two-week educational tour. Among them are journalists
representing various newspapers including the Washington Post, Land Rover,
Georgia Straight, Vancouver Sun, Outpost Magazine, My Telus, Travellers
Tales, San Francisco Chronicle, Gourmet, Indianapolis Sun, Chicago Tribune,
Philadelphia Sun, Elite Traveller, GoNomad, Cafe Central and Globe and Mail
.

Partnership

The visit was organised through a partnership between KTB and various tour
operators, including Abercrombie & Kent, Africa Expeditions, African
Latitude, African Quest Safaris, Bernie Tours, Game Watchers Safaris, Luxury
Trips, Outdoor Expeditions, Tamasha Africa and Wildlife Safaris.
 
Others who attended included the Kenya Airways CEO Titus Naikuni, and the
Kenya Wildlife Service director, Julius Kipngetich. The agents, have now
qualified for the Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist (KATS) under the Kenya
Tourist Board North American travel agent training programme.

Mr Cook spoke at the Carnivore Grounds during a farewell and gala dinner
hosted for the visitors.

Tourism has increased remarkably over the last two years. Last year,
international arrivals hit 832,229 representing a growth of 24.6 per cent
over 2004. The US and Canada accounted for 73,576 and 17,171 tourists
respectively in 2005. This was a growth of 31.6 per cent and 49.4 per cent
respectively compared to 2004. The first quarter of 2006 has maintained a
strong growth trend for both countries at 17 per cent for the US and 30 per
cent for Canada.

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