Sports activities
By Winnie Onyando
Vacationers on the Maasai Mara Recreation Reserve. FILE PHOTO
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is endeavor promotional campaigns in the USA and the UK to cement the nation’s vacation spot’s place in sports activities tourism forward of the upcoming Boston and London marathons.
In keeping with KTB’s Chief Govt June Chepkemei, the high-profile marathons have propelled Kenya into the worldwide highlight for sports activities tourism including that the marathons current a chance to showcase the vacation spot’s dominance on a few of the world’s most iconic programs.
For the Boston and London marathon slated for April 15 and 21 respectively, KTB has pitched camp on the marathon Expo’s because it seeks to advertise Kenya’s various tourism experiences in addition to sports activities.
“This yr KTB shall be on the marathon expos to curiosity marathon fanatics to enroll in a few of the marathons hosted in Kenya just like the Commonplace Chartered which additionally takes place within the metropolis of Nairobi. This may permit them to come back run with the champions and savour a few of the tourism choices Kenya is endowed with’’ stated Ms Chepkemei.
KTB has additionally partnered with nationwide provider Kenya Airways and different gamers to increase vacation journeys to Kenya for the fortunate winners throughout stand activations on the expo sales space.
The US and the UK are key supply markets for Kenya’s tourism.
The 2 locations even have massive sports activities fan bases alongside a supportive diaspora base which KTB is eager on attracting.
Within the assessment interval between January and November 2023, The USA emerged because the main supply market to Kenya with a market share of 14% and a complete of 241,581 arrivals.
This represented a major 28% development in comparison with the earlier interval final yr of 188,463.
The UK additionally recorded a powerful efficiency, with an 8% market share of 140,763 arrivals. This represented a 7% development in comparison with the earlier yr’s arrivals of 131,526
Ms Chepkemei stated Sports activities tourism has change into an vital area of interest marketplace for Kenya, and these iconic marathons are world platforms to focus on our nation as a must-visit vacation spot for athletics fanatics and adventurous travellers in search of an unforgettable vacation expertise
In keeping with UN Tourism, sports activities tourism is a quickly rising trade, producing round 10% of the world’s expenditure on tourism. It has an estimated development price of 17.5% between 2023-2030.
With Kenya aiming to welcome 5.5 million guests yearly by 2028, sports activities tourism supplies a major alternative to realize this purpose and unfold the financial advantages of tourism to communities throughout the nation.
With an estimated 2 million guests annually, Kenya is taken into account among the many hottest tourism locations in Africa. Most guests are eager to pattern the nation’s wildlife safari and the white sandy seashores on the value.
Moreover, Kenya is arguably the nation with one of the best center and lengthy distance athletes contemplating the outcomes from marathons contested internationally, and at worldwide meets such because the World Cross Nation, Olympics and World Atheltics Championships.
Additionally learn: Nollywood actor Mr Ibu to be buried three months after his loss of life
