This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
On 4th December 2019, Google Street View was launched for Kenya's 21 national parks and one conservancy, marking a significant milestone in the country's tourism sector.
The launch was a result of a collaboration between Google, the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Services, the County Governments of Narok and Samburu, and the management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Street View is a 360-degree ground-level imagery layer found on Google Maps, allowing users to remotely explore landmarks, navigate a trip, and visit other places of interest from around the world.
Virtual Tourism ¶
Kenya has already published imagery for major cities, towns, roads, and other places of interest. The launch of Street View for national parks was the second phase of this project.
According to Mr Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Google Street View will bring Kenya to the world by providing a global audience with tools to virtually explore Kenya's cities, urban centres, attractions, and places of interest.
“It will also bring the world to Kenya by growing a user's interest to physically visit a place of interest that they have experienced virtually,” Mr Balala said at the launch.
Travel Destinations ¶
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is currently positioning its National Parks and Reserves on the global map as ideal destinations for adventure, wildlife safaris, sight-seeing, marine experiences, and rich cultural experiences.
Street View is expected to improve KWS's brand identity, develop a ready and accessible information hub for customers, better target audience reach, and build a virtual shop for KWS products.
Charles Murito, Google Kenya Country Director, emphasized the impact of Google products and platforms in helping Kenyans and empowering them to build and grow their businesses, creating economic growth.
“Tourism is a vital contributor to our GDP, and I believe that we at Google can play an active part to help grow this sector through our products,” he stressed.
With 82% of travellers undecided on a destination and 74% of them starting their research or inspiration online, it's critical that Kenya has a presence online. The launch of Street View for national parks is expected to improve KWS's brand identity and develop a ready and accessible information hub.
The parks whose imagery have been published are the Maasai Mara; Amboseli; Nairobi National Park; Mount Kenya; Hell's Gate; Samburu National Reserve, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The others are: Chyulu Hills National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Meru National Park, Mount Longonot, OlDonyoSabuk, Sibiloi, Tsavo West/East, Bisanadi National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Mount Elgon, Kakamega Forest National Reserve, Ruma National Park, and Shimba Hills National Reserve.
