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By Steve Umidha
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has urged tourism providers to expand their products offering to deliver unique, authentic Kenyan travel experiences to travellers.
He said this during the award ceremony of the second phase of the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) held to recognise outstanding tourism offerings among Kenyan travel industry players.
Through the MKSE Program, which commenced in 2019, facilities and organizations are required to provide value addition to their offerings through exceptional travel experiences to the traveller.
In 2019, fifteen inaugural MKSE facilities that met the required criteria of a Kenya signature experience were recognised. The awards marked the beginning of a journey to deliver diverse tourism experiences in Kenya.
The second phase recognised 29 experiences with CS Balala noting that the program is aimed at meeting the expectation of the current discerning traveller who is keener on immersive travel experiences than ever before.
“We are glad to award twenty nine (29) new experiences to add to the Signature Collection. When we began this journey in 2018, our goal was to grow and diversify our products to ensure that we are a cut above other destinations and to also have products that offer an outstanding experience to suit todays demanding traveller. I congratulate all the winners for participating in the Program and adding an extra layer of Magic to what Kenya has to offer Kenyans and the world.” said CS Balala.
To be part of the Program, facilities are required to fill out a pre-qualification Quiz, which has a set of 10 questions. The next stage involves filling out of an application form followed by desk and on-site audits. Those that meet the requirements are then enlisted into the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) Collection.
CS Balala added that the MKSE program is one of key milestones of Kenya’s tourism transformation noting that despite the challenges of Covid-19, the industry was ready for kick-off once travel resumes fully.
“Last year was difficult for tourism due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which has had a devastating effect to the industry. That said, a lot has been ongoing behind the scenes to ensure that Kenya comes back stronger. MKSE is part of our strategy to revive tourism in Kenya through partnership with the private sector which is a key component of tourism,” he added.
Commenting during the awards, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO Dr Betty Radier noted that the newly recognised facilities would have their products and experiences marketed for local and international travellers through FAM trips, exhibitions, collaborative initiatives, events, trainings to providing extra visibility while driving conversion for the respective companies.
“Kenya has curved her niche as a competitive destination with rich and diverse experiences across the country, available throughout the year and fit for different travel segments. Through this Collection we are able to show the world that Kenya has a lot more to offer beyond the iconic wildlife safari and the pristine sandy beaches for both the repeat and first times visitors.” she said.
She added that operators within the sector will need to be aware of the emerging trends and incorporate them in their business strategies. “Some of these trends include search for authentic & immersive local travel experiences, slow travel, outdoor experiences to connect with nature, and the need to leave a positive impact in the destinations where they visit. I encourage businesses and individuals who are in the tourism space to participate in the subsequent Magical Kenya Signature Experience recruitment drive,” she added.
The experiences that were recognised are:
Name of the Experience
The Provider
Region
Mida Creek Floating Adventure
Watamu Tree House
Watamu
Zero to Hero Kite Surfing
Tribe Watersports
Watamu
Humpback Whale Watching Experience
The Hemingways
Watamu
Yoga Sunset Experience
Watamu Tree House
Watamu
Epic Kayaking Expedition
Watamu Tree House
Watamu
Distant Relatives Experience
Distance Relatives Lodge
Kilifi
Village Bike Tours
Diani Bikes
Diani
Kayaking in Kenya
Savage Wilderness
Sagana
In the footsteps of Elsa the Lioness
Elewana Collections
Meru
Black Rhino Tracking with Saruni
Saruni Lodge
Samburu
Fly Camping Under The Stars
Saasab Camp
Samburu
Rhino Extravaganza
Solio Lodge
Aberdare Region
Mountaineering Experience
African Ascents
Nanyuki
Karisia Walking Safaris
Karisia safaris Limited
Nanyuki
The Safari Series Experience
Safari Series Limited
Loldiagga,Nanyuki
Olepangi Farm Experience
Olepangi Farm
Nanyuki
El Karama Experience
El Karama Lodge
Nanyuki
Outdoor Adventure Experience
Rift Valley Adventure
Laikipia
The Pride Rock Experience
Borana Lodge
Borana,Lewa
Rhino Tracking
Borana Lodge
Borana,Lewa
The Ololo Experience
Ololo Lodge & Farm
Nairobi
Breakfast with the Giraffes
The Safari Collection
Nairobi
Wilderness in the City
Nairobi Tented Camp
Nairobi
Rafting in Kenya
Savage Wilderness
Athi/Tana
Cycling in Mara
Savage Wilderness
Mara
Warrior Academy with Saruni
Saruni Lodges
Mara
Homestay Experience
Homestay Visits Limited
Nyandarua, Mara
Golfing in the Wild Experience
Heritage Hotels
Naivasha
Thimlich Ohinga World Heritage Site
National Museums of Kenya
Migori