Tourism board projects local bed occupancy to rise 10pc during Easter
MARKETING: Despite a depressed global economy and ongoing demonstrations, Easter holidays are set to boost domestic tourism, with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) estimating that bed occupancy will increase by 10 per cent.
Banking on the “You deserve a holiday” campaign in conjunction with private players, the organisation responsible for marketing Kenya to the world intends to promote domestic packages.
The board estimates that domestic bed occupancy between January and September 2022 was 3,677,872 and is set to rise over Easter.
Campaign activities
Speaking during the promotional campaign activities in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, KTB Regional Manager Alex Tunoi said the increasing interest among Kenyans to explore their country was also a major boost to the campaigns.
He said that just like the Christmas Holiday, Easter celebrations record increased travel activities and the campaign will serve further to provide the domestic market with more affordable travel opportunities. “The Easter period is one where we experience increased domestic travel, and therefore, this campaign comes at the right time as we push to grow tourism further. Our projections show that the bed occupancy will rise by about 10 per cent as we near this crucial holiday period.”
Emerging destinations expected to receive increased visitors include Nanyuki, Machakos, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru, where for the last six months, KTB has launched marketing activities with 20 trade partners comprising tour operators, hoteliers and travel agents, airlines and corporate organisations to bring holiday offers at their doorsteps.
“With this being the penultimate phase of the campaign before we head to Mombasa, we expect that Kenyans will now have a reason to enjoy their own country,” he said.
The campaign aims to address the challenges that the tourism industry has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic by providing platforms to connect and interact with potential travellers in Kenya.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said the county was expecting more local visitors to sample the region’s diverse tourism products of hundreds of different bird species, unique cultural practices and scenic views. The county’s main air operator is Tropic Air Safaris, which ferry’s tourists to the region through Nanyuki Airstrip.
The charter services’ chief executive James Roberts said the increased visibility of Nanyuki town through the campaign will help increase accessibility and growth of tourism in the Northern part of Kenya.
