Balala unveils virtual safari campaign to boost tourism sector
PANDEMIC: The government has embarked on campaign to ensure the country remains top of mind among visitors and investors alike as coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to ravage global economy.
Najib Balala, Tourism Cabinet Secretary said the six-week virtual Safari live stream initiative showcases game safaris in some of the parks and reserves across the country.
The virtual drive will be part of the ongoing #MagicAwaits campaign led by Kenya Tourism Board aimed at ensuring the world and travellers remain connected to destination Kenya during the Covid-19 era when there is restricted movement globally.
Speaking while launching the campaign at Nairobi National Park, Balala said Covid-19 pandemic has taught players in different sectors to be more innovative to keep their businesses afloat during these difficult moments.
Tourism business
“Our international tourism business is completely cut off and we have to still share destination memories with travellers and that is why we are unveiling a virtual tour safari to connect visitors with the destination”, the CS said.
Balala said the campaign would endeavour to liven up the sector’s brand positioning by ensuring the country remained top of mind among visitors and investors alike.
“This venture which begins here at the Nairobi National Park will allow us to document our diverse wildlife in the national parks and game reserves, thrilling adventures, beautiful lodges and unique cultures and conservation projects that Kenya has become world famous for,” he said.
Every week
“We shall be live streaming and sharing this content every week to bring Kenya to Kenyans and to the world at large.” With travellers now confined to their respective homes due to the Covid-19 crisis, demand for indoor activities and exploration is on the rise.
Countries and tourism organisations are coming up with online tours of their offerings, experiences, and properties so that the quest for discovery remains unhindered, shifting only from the physical to the virtual. On Monday, the sector was handed a Sh2 billion boost to cushion it from Covid-19 shocks that have resulted in hotel closures and job losses.
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the support at State House, Nairobi, during his Madaraka Day address to the Nation, followed by Kenyans virtually in compliance with the social-distancing measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19.
