Kenyan tourism experts recently called for more collaboration with Nigeria to expand the frontiers of tourism in both countries.
This call was made at a roadshow with the theme, ‘Magical Kenya’, held in Abuja. The event also had a raffle draw that saw the winners go home with an all-expense paid trip to Kenya.
Kenya’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Mogere, disclosed that Pan-Africanism has been the top agenda for the government of Kenya. According to him, Africans are responsible for building their own country, not the Western world.
He said: “This is implementing the presidential agenda. The Presidential agenda is to build a one Africa. Pan-Africanism has been a top agenda for our president. He has opened a visa-free entry to Kenya. It started operating on the January 1.
“The agenda is that we must have our people visiting each other to help grow our tourism industry. We must bring ourselves together. If we want to build our countries, we must build it ourselves. We will no longer wait for the Western world to come build our countries. Kenyans like Nigerians are warm and friendly people with no traits of xenophobia.”
Adding: “We in Kenya are harnessing our resources in tourism. All African countries are blessed. It is only important that we come together, have discussions, and seek ways of mutual benefits from all these resources. That’ is why we keep promoting our tourism at every opportunity.”
Also speaking, the Manager, Kenya Tourism Board, Alex Tunoi, said the event was a diversification strategy by Kenyan Tourism Board to increase arrivals from Africa.
“We are very interested in Africa because we believe that Africa is the next frontier for tourism. This is a diversification strategy by the Kenyan Tourism Board.
“We are here to educate Nigerians on the products available on trips to Kenya and to also sensitize them on destinations in Kenya. We also intend to partner with travel agencies. Nigeria’s Market is so dear to us. Kenyas are lovely and friendly people, waiting to receive visitors.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Destination Connect, Mr. Consaga Kisa, said he was excited at the turnout for the event and the possible outcomes.
He said: “I am the pioneer of the tourism relationship Nigeria has had with Kenyans. Today is particularly interesting. The turnout is very impressive. There would be future follow-ups, my company has a robust channel of keeping in touch with every person and travel agent that are present here.”
