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By Correspondent
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is betting big on the direct flights from Kenya to the United States of America (USA), in a move now said will boost tourism and trade ties between the two nations.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Thursday granted Jomo Kenyatta International Airport a Category One status, firming up a pact which signals the beginning of direct flights to America from Nairobi.
Speaking while addressing journalists in Nairobi, a head of a two-day, ASTA president Zane Kerby said that the ASTA Destination Expo, taking place for the second time in Africa, would boost the country’s reputation in the global arena.
South is the only African country to have hosted the Expo.
“Themed, Experience the Magic, the expo will also provide marketing and investment opportunities for the 175 agents attending, to familiarize with tourism products on offer in Kenya,” he said.
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) annual meeting kicked off on Thursday and will run to February 26 at Nairobi’s Kenyatta international Convention Centre (KICC), bringing in its 3,000 members to sample Nairobi’s accommodation, cuisine and nightlife.
Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) PR and Communications manager Wausi Walya said that Nairobi’s bid to host the ASTA 2017 global convention was being considered after it was shortlisted among other key tourist destinations.
Over 47 exhibitors from Kenya are also expected to take part at the Expo.