NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 16 – Kenya is set to expand its marketing investment in non-traditional tourism markets including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states as it seeks to enlarge its share of the global tourism pie and speed up post Covid-19 recovery.
Speaking when he received the inaugural Kenya Airways (KQ) direct flight from Dubai to Mombasa at the Moi International Airport, State Department of Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua noted that the launch of the new direct route presented great opportunities for Kenya to further establish itself as a leading travel destination and gateway to Africa.
“We are very positive about this development and highly appreciate the efforts and investment that the government of Kenya through KQ has made in establishing this route. It will not only expand our reach into new and existing markets but also help stimulate more business activity as we look towards making a strong comeback from the pandemic effects,” Ololtuaa said.
He also pointed out that deeper engagements in the Gulf region and other emerging markets, where demand for tourism is growing rapidly, would be key in driving rapid recovery.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza lauded the National carrier KQ for launching the new route and noted that the new flight will help position Mombasa as a world class destination for business and leisure.
“With this new route, we are connecting Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) even more tightly and opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and business. It will give tourists from the Middle East, Russia, Northern Europe and Australia direct access to the Kenyan coast experiences including beach experiences that include water sports and Culture,” Said Malonza.
Principal Secretary State Department of Culture and Heritage Ummi Bashir who had also attended the reception noted that the direct flights provided an opportunity for the country to tap into cultural tourism.
”This move by our national carrier gives the coast an opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage and history,” Said Bashir.
The flight, with a capacity of 145 passengers, had left for Dubai on Thursday evening after being flagged off at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa by Deputy President H.E. Rigathi Gachagua before making a return to Mombasa on Friday morning.
The flights on the Mombasa to Dubai route originate from Nairobi and make a stopover in Mombasa to pick passengers with KQ set to increase its frequency to Dubai from 10 times per week to 14 times per week.
The flight is set to draw visitors who have an interest in key attractions including beach, safari and wildlife.
Other attractions that attracts visitors form these regions include adventure-sailing, snorkelling, boat riding, culture ties in the coast, heritage, culinary experiences.
Further, it will also attract the region’s traders of electronics, clothing, and other consumer goods who will also benefit from the flight’s belly cargo capacity.
