This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
June 18, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant threat to tourism economies worldwide, including Kenya. To mitigate this impact, the Kenyan tourism stakeholders have resolved to leverage on the power of online platforms for marketing purposes.
During a recent Tourism webinar hosted by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), players in the sector discussed the importance and gains of utilizing the digital space to market the destination and tourism products and experiences.
According to KTB CEO Dr. Betty Radier, marketing is all about momentum and keeping people engaged. She emphasized the need to stay on top of mind when people are ready to go back to traveling and to show commitment to the destination.
Dr. Radier noted that organizations today are utilizing digital assets to market products and services, and that the strategy is working positively. She highlighted the importance of utilizing the digital space to ensure the destination remains on top of people's minds throughout this period and later on when travel resumes.
The Managing Director of Digital consultancy company, Nendo Mark Kaigwa, agreed that the time calls for enhanced marketing of the destination, and that the digital space presents the best platform for the same. He emphasized the need to appeal to those familiar with the destination by striking an authentic relationship with them.
Recently, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala launched a virtual Safari live stream campaign to showcase game safaris in some of the parks and reserves across the country using Magical Kenya platforms. The two-month long livestreaming campaign has already reached over one million viewers and has allowed the audience to interact with the diversities of Kenya's safari experience.
