This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
Ms. Jacinta Mbithi-Nzioka, a seasoned tourism professional, has been elected as the deputy chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa chapter. The appointment was confirmed in a press statement by ICCA on July 8, 2020.
Ms. Mbithi-Nzioka, who previously worked as Director of Marketing at the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), expressed her excitement about the new role, saying, "I am excited to take up the position of ICCA Africa Chapter deputy chair and the opportunity to make an effective contribution to strengthening Kenya's and Africa's position in the international association meetings arena."
The appointment comes at a time when the global Business Events and Meetings industry is reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ms. Mbithi-Nzioka emphasized the importance of unity among African destinations in building a strong public and private sector stakeholder and supplier community to tackle the current challenges.
The Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA) chairman, Mr. Victor Shitakah, commended ICCA for selecting Ms. Mbithi-Nzioka, saying it was a win for both her and Kenya's tourism as a whole. "We are in very depressing times as an industry owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Her election could not have come at a better time as we try to navigate through the post-COVID-19 era," he said.
Kenya has a number of tourist facilities that are accredited by ICCA, including the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Safari Park Hotel, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, and Pride Inn Beach Resort Convention Centre & Spa.
