The number of Chinese visitors to Kenya increased by 27 percent
to 18,766 in 2007 compared to 14, 778 in the same period in 2006,
the country's tourist marketers said in Beijing Wednesday.
The state-run Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) attributed the growth to
the increased exposure of Kenya in the Chinese media and among the
travel trade following increased marketing activities in the Asian
nation.
KTB Managing Director Ongong'a Achieng said the July and October
months recorded the highest percentage increase in arrivals of 71
percent to 78.4 percent respectively compared to the same period in
2006.
"This can partly be attributed to the execution of consumer
outdoor and TV promotions in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou where
a total of 26,164,000 impressions were recorded," Ongong'a told
journalists in Nairobi.
"In addition to this, interest in long haul and premium
destinations has increased greatly among Chinese consumers," he
said.
Ongong'a said a total of 16,475,000 impressions were generated
through positive media coverage."
"A combination of road shows and partnership programs with key
tour operators in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou increased tour
operator pages on Kenya by over 10 percent," he said.
Ongong'a said over 500 travel agents in China have been trained
on the Kenya product offer. "At the moment, no travel bans have
been imposed by the Chinese government on its citizens' travel to
Kenya," he said.
"However, travel advisories have been issued. The Board is
optimistic that once the situation in the country returns to normal
and the travel advisories are lifted, tourist arrivals for 2008
will continue on an upward trend," Ongong'a said.
He said the tourism body's decision to diversify markets and to
recognize the potential of China through investment is definitely
paying dividends.
"We expend to continue to invest in the Chinese market in the
coming year," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2008)