The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has partnered with the India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) in a bid to entice Bollywood production companies to shoot films in the country as part of tourism promotion campaigns.

KTB Director, Mohanjeet Brar, said Kenya offered outstanding shooting locations waiting to be explored by the Indian film-makers.

He said the country had realised the potential of Indian movies to market the destination, adding that as a result, KTB had partnered with IIFTC to promote the country as a preferred destination for film making.

“Kenya has what it takes to become a global choice for film making. Therefore, we are inviting film production companies to come and shoot their films in the country.”

Brar said over 80 international films had been shot in the country with some having won global awards.  “India is an important market for Kenya. We have proposed to invest more on other initiatives that will boost brand awareness through sports such as cricket and golf.

“We also plan to collaborate with celebrities and other consumer brands as part of efforts to drive visitor numbers.”

Brar recently participated in the IIFTC in India, which was attended by more than 50 of the biggest production houses from Bollywood and regional film industries.

India was the fastest growing tourist source market for Kenya last year, and also the third-best performing market after the US and the UK.

Tourist arrivals from India to Kenya grew by 29% to 64 116 visitors last year compared with 49 756 in 2015.