Poor marketing blamed for drop in visitor numbers to Kenyan resorts

By Bizclik Editor

The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) has come under fire for not marketing the country strongly enough overseas resulting in poor visitor numbers this season.

The tourist board, which in 2010 won an award for the Best National Tourism Board in Middle East, Africa, and Indian Ocean category, has been criticised by hoteliers along the Kenya coast.

They claim the KTB has not invested enough in marketing to enable it to compete with other popular tourism hot spots such as Thailand, South Africa and Malaysia.

Kuldip Sondhi, general manager of the Reef Hotel, said uncertainties over the next general election was affecting investors and future bookings. He said: “It is the duty of the KTB to reassure potential overseas market that all is well.”

+ MORE AFRICAN BUSINESS REVIEW

Hoteliers have been hit by fewer advanced bookings and challenges in the market place such as the European economy have all made an impact on the Kenya tourism trade, but cancellations have remained low.

David Lang’at, general manager of the Pride Inn Sairock, said: “The KTB should be aggressive enough in marketing Kenya.”

He added that the KTB should incorporate people with vast industry experience in the board and not just people with paper qualifications. "We have people who have been in the industry for more than 20 years who know the ups and downs of the industry. These people can identify how to properly market the country abroad,” he said.

The KTB’s mission statement says its main aim is to drive and support the effective marketing of Kenya’s tourism products professionally and transparently while enriching the lives of Kenyans and visitors alike and its vision is to achieve global recognition as an outstanding tourist destination.

Share

Featured Articles

Top 10 startups to watch in 2023: Middle East & North Africa

From foodtech to fintech, video streaming to logistics, the companies on our top 10 MENA startups' list continue to innovate, grow and attract funding

Top 10 most innovative telecom operators in the Middle East

With Dubai-based Telecoms World Middle East in full swing, we chart the most innovative telcos from the region – and look at how they are transforming

Top 10 fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK

Business Chief takes a look at the top 10 fastest-growing Indian companies in the UK, according to the India Meets Britain Tracker from Grant Thornton

Top 10 workplaces prioritising people and planet in the UAE

Human Capital

Top 10 female HR execs leading Saudi’s workplace transition

Leadership & Strategy

Top 10 largest asset managers by AUM operating in the UAE

Corporate Finance