The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has applauded media for shaping positive perceptions of destinations for investment and tourism activities.
Ahead of the 14th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) – from October 2-4 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi – media from 12 countries are on a tour of key tourism sites across the country.
Welcoming these representatives from the USA, Germany, France, India, China, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Arab Emirates, KTB CEO June Chepkemei stressed their importance as brand ambassadors.
“Positive narratives have shaped destinations to optimise their potential for travels and businesses. KTB has deliberately invested in media engagement to tell the destination story for the local and international traveller,” she stated.
KTB is increasingly engaging with travel, tourism and news journalists to enhance awareness of the experiences the country offers.
Tourism Update Editor Adele Mackenzie, currently in Kenya for the media tour and MKTE, agreed on the need for tourism boards to develop strong relationships with local and international media.
"What Kenya has been doing is a wonderful example of leveraging media to share the true stories of what Africa has to offer and to counter the negative and incorrect stereotypes of the region. The media needs information to share with the masses and thus influence their interest in travel,” said Mackenzie.
This year’s MKTE is expected to attract 3 000 delegates from over 35 countries across the globe. KTB will also expose international travel trade to over 20 itineraries covering tourism destinations across the country.