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By Monica MUEMA
Kenya is pitching for more conferences and meetings as it seeks to enhance its position as a leading tourism destination globally.
The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Heritage believes that the MICE sub-sector will play a pivotal role in revitalizing tourism, particularly as it seeks to fully recover and surpass 2019 tourism numbers
Speaking at the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Climate Summit event held at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza, says conferences have contributed heavily to visitor arrivals into the country.
“As we work towards fully recovering our tourism, it is imperative that we diversify our tourism offerings and strengthen our position as a preferred MICE destination,” said the CS. “The MICE sector not only brings in high-spending visitors but also serves as a platform to showcase Kenya’s capabilities in hosting major international events.”
The Africa Climate Summit event expected to record over 20,000 delegates is billed as a significant milestone for Kenya’s Tourism sector, a resumption of MICE activities in the country.
Yesterday CS Malonza underscored the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for MICE tourism in Kenya. “We are investing in infrastructure, security, and the overall hospitality sector to ensure that Kenya remains a top choice for MICE planners and delegates,” she affirmed.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)is actively collaborating with stakeholders to market the country as a MICE destination, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife alongside its world-class conference facilities.
On his part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Ag CEO, John Chirchir, said that the Summit has brought about a positive impact on the hospitality services and disclosed that accommodation facilities in the city and environs have reported 100 percent booking.
“Currently, the hospitality sector in Nairobi and environs is reaping big with major Hotels in Nairobi experiencing 100 per cent occupancy. Restaurants and tourism attractions in Nairobi and its environs are also expected to be full with visitors taking time to experience the destination” said Chirchir.
He added that MICE business had a direct impact on travel, noting that Kenya is becoming an ideal destination for business and leisure with short air and road connections. “Within an hour, a visitor is able to travel from an urban city to bush for a game drive or to the beach for water sport activities,” said Chirchir.
Meanwhile travel trade have lined up affordable travel packages at the Kenyan pavilion for the visiting delegates who will have short breaks to visit attractions within the city.
According to Chirchir, a number of delegates will extend their stay after the Summit to tour and sample what the country has to offer in terms of tourism.
“This is the reason we have our pavilion to connect delegates to Kenya away from the conference .The Pavilion plays a pivotal role in presenting Kenya as a leading destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural wonders, diversity, and a strong commitment to sustainable practices” says Chirchir .
The institutions displaying at the Pavilion will share with stand visitors and delegates innovative ways of mitigating against adverse climatically changes that threaten their existence. They will also share their ways of sustaining and preserving their businesses with less threat to the environment
“”The Kenya Pavilion serves as a gateway to Kenya, offering delegates an opportunity to experience the richness of our nation in one room, from the natural wonders of our national parks to the innovation in our ICT sector. It’s a testament to the holistic experience Kenya provides to both business and leisure travelers.” Said Chirchir
The inaugural Nairobi Africa Climate Summit aims to give Africa’s voice and position during the upcoming global COP28. This is in recognition of the increasing impacts of climate change on development with sustainable tourism identified as a high impact sector with global relevance.