Kenya is a country in East Africa that boasts of natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse cultures. It’s no wonder that tourism is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. But who is responsible for promoting tourism in Kenya?
The agency responsible for promoting tourism in Kenya is the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). The KTB was established in 1997 as a state corporation under the Ministry of Tourism. Its primary mandate is to market and promote Kenya as a tourist destination both locally and internationally.
What does the KTB do?
The KTB has several responsibilities that include:
Marketing and promotion: The KTB markets and promotes Kenya as a tourist destination through various channels such as print and electronic media, trade fairs, roadshows, and other events.
Product development: The KTB works with stakeholders in the tourism industry to develop new products that will attract tourists. This includes developing new tourist circuits, identifying new tourist attractions, and improving existing ones.
Research: The KTB conducts research on different aspects of tourism such as market trends, consumer behavior, and travel patterns. This information helps the board to develop effective marketing strategies.
Licensing: The KTB is responsible for licensing tour operators, travel agents, and other players in the tourism industry. This ensures that only qualified operators are allowed to offer services to tourists.
The impact of the KTB on Kenyan tourism
The KTB has played a significant role in promoting Kenyan tourism over the years. Through its marketing efforts, it has managed to attract millions of tourists from around the world. In 2019 alone, Kenya received over two million international tourists who spent over $1 billion in the country.
The board has also been instrumental in developing new tourist products such as cultural festivals, sports tourism events like athletics championships, and eco-tourism activities such as game drives and bird watching.
Conclusion
The Kenya Tourism Board is the agency responsible for promoting tourism in Kenya. Its efforts have helped to put Kenya on the global map as a preferred tourist destination. Through its marketing strategies and product development initiatives, the KTB has attracted millions of tourists to Kenya, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.