A group of 110 Chinese tourists, the largest delegation to visit Kenya, arrived in the country, marking a significant success in the nation's efforts to tap into emerging markets for tourism, particularly in Asia and the Far East.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) hosted a reception dinner for the group at the Safari Park hotel, where they will tour prominent sites from April 12-16, including Hell's Gate National Park, Masai Mara, and the Aberdares.
This visit provides a much-needed boost to Kenya's tourism sector, resulting from strategic consumer activations in key Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu.
KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa welcomed the guests, stating that their visit is a significant endorsement of Kenya as a leading destination, despite recent security challenges.
Ndegwa emphasized that terrorism is a global issue and highlighted the importance of the measures the government has implemented to address the situation.
KTB has partnered with Beijing Global Tours, the largest Middle East and African wholesaler, allowing them to reach over 1,000 retailers in China, which is currently the second-highest source market for tourists worldwide and the largest outbound tourism package.
Somak Safaris, a local tour firm, is handling the group's arrangements in Kenya. The visitors were treated to Chinese folk songs and a dance performance by the Safari Cats during the dinner.