Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala confirmed that Kenya's delegation at the Internationale Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin generated significant interest, particularly around the Charter Incentive Programme (CIP) launched in 2016. The initiative, extended to June 30, 2020, and under review for potential expansion to 2022, has attracted 10 average charter flights monthly, with the government investing Sh200 million to secure Sh3.7 billion in direct revenue.
Balala emphasized Kenya's focus on sustainable tourism, citing the 2017 plastic ban as a key environmental success. He called for a European ivory trade ban, noting that the continent and Japan remain major markets for the commodity. The CS also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve coastal infrastructure, including road networks and open skies policies, to enhance accessibility to Kenya's tourism hubs.
Pride Inn Group Managing Director Hosnain Noorani praised the government's CIP initiative, stating it improved international airline visibility for Kenya. Meanwhile, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers CEO Mike Macharia projected a 20% tourism growth this year, citing the 42 Kenyan firms that secured new business at the event.
The delegation included over 40 travel industry players, with Balala noting the event's 180,000 exhibitors as a critical platform for promoting Kenya's wildlife and beach destinations.
