Kenya is a country that boasts of beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich culture. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
However, the success of Kenya’s tourism industry is not solely due to its natural beauty but also because of the efforts of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). But what exactly does the Kenya Tourism Board do? Let’s take a closer look.
What is KTB?
The Kenya Tourism Board is a state corporation that was established in 1997 under the Kenyan Tourism Act. Its primary mandate is to market and promote Kenya as a tourist destination both locally and internationally. The board is responsible for creating awareness about Kenya’s tourism products and services with the aim of increasing tourist arrivals.
Functions of KTB
1) Marketing and Promotion
One of the core functions of KTB is marketing and promoting tourism in Kenya. It does this by showcasing Kenya’s unique selling points such as its wildlife, beaches, culture, and hospitality through various platforms such as social media, advertising campaigns, fairs, exhibitions, and trade shows.
2) Research and Product Development
KTB conducts research on tourism trends both locally and internationally to get insights into customer preferences. The board also works closely with industry players to develop new tourism products that cater to changing customer needs.
3) Training and Capacity Building
KTB offers training programs to players in the tourism sector such as tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents among others. These training sessions equip industry players with knowledge on how to improve their services which ultimately enhances visitor experience.
KTB Achievements
Tourist Arrivals: Since its inception in 1997, KTB has played an integral role in growing Kenyan tourist arrivals from 510000 in 1996 to over 2 million in 2019.
Digital Marketing: KTB has embraced digital marketing and has been recognized as one of the most innovative tourism boards globally. The board’s social media pages have garnered a significant following, and its website is ranked among the top tourism websites in Africa.
Product Development: KTB has been at the forefront of developing new tourism products such as adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and sports tourism. These initiatives have helped diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings beyond traditional wildlife safaris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kenya Tourism Board plays a critical role in promoting and marketing Kenya as a tourist destination both locally and internationally. The board’s efforts have not only increased tourist arrivals but have also contributed to the growth of the country’s economy through foreign exchange earnings. It is safe to say that KTB is instrumental in making Kenya a must-visit destination for tourists worldwide.