Did you know… Karibu means WELCOME! © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Agenda • • • • • • • • •
Asante Sana! Kenya 101 Frequently Asked Questions The Essence of Kenya Easy Sell -- Greater Value New Developments Kenya Tourism Recovery KATS Program information Resources © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Asante Sana! (Thank You! In Swahili) •
Arrivals from the USA and Canada TRIPLED from 2003 – 2007! USA
120,000 100,000
101,095 86,528
80,000
73,574
60,000 40,000
55,898
CAN
39,743
20,000
17,160 8,721
20,796
26,126 16,891
11,367 4,781
0 2003
2004
2005
2006
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
2007
2008 (Thru April)
Situating Kenya • At the Heart of a great continent, literally • On the East African coast • A little more than the size of France or Texas • Sitting astride the equator
AFRICA
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
A 365 days destination An all year round destination The difference is in the colors Kenya in green ; after the long rains in April /May A cool Kenya ; July /August Kenya in brown; December to March A warm Kenya; December to March
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Frequently Asked Questions • •
Q: Do I need a passport or a visa to travel to Kenya? A: Yes, you will need both a passport and a visa if entering from the United States or Canada. A single-entry visa costs $50.00 USD and can be obtained before leaving for Kenya, or on arrival into Kenya.
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Q: When is the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration? A: Kenya is at it’s prime tourist season during July through early October, which is the peak of the World’s Greatest “Game Show.” Normally you need to book well in advance, but as tourism continues to recover – there may still be some availability!
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Q: What shots and medications do I need for my trip to Kenya? A: Kenya does not require any spefic vaccinations or innoculations, but your personal physician or travel clinic will probably have some recommendations for you. So please check with them early, as some vaccines need 4 – 6 weeks to take effect. It is also recommended that you take malaria medication during your trip.
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Q: What type of currency is used in Kenya? A: The official currency is the Kenya Shilling (KES). Since the exchange rates vary daily, the best rates can be obtained at the airport in Nairobi.
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
The Essence of Kenya •
Diversity – Attractions and Tour types – Landscapes – Accommodation – Cultures – Seasonality – Nature as it was meant to be …Overall experiences!
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Responsible tourism – Ecotourism – Community based tourism – Conservation ….the Barefoot Luxury experience
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Kenya – The Easy Sell
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Wildlife – The Great Migration – Traditional Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lamu. – Luxury Travel.
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Adventure – The Inimitable, Hemingwayesque Safari. – Unique experiences. © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Unique, original safaris – The Greater Value Sell
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Wildlife – Wildlife plus…ecotourism, culture, etc – 59 Parks & Reserves – Meru, Laikipia, Samburu, Aberdares. – Specialist safaris – e.g., birding, lepidoptery.
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Adventure – Bush breakfasts & dinners, honeymoons. – Active adventure. – Marine adventure. © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Ecotourism – The Greater Value Sell cont.
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Ecotourism – 5 star “barefoot luxury”. – Once in a lifetime safaris – walking, horseback, camelback, tracking with Maasai moran. – Spectacular landscapes – sunrises and sundowners. – Spas and wellness. – Visible community participation and benefits. © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Culture & Heritage – The Greater Value Sell cont.
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Culture – 42 distinct peoples, practices and cuisines – many of the last of the world’s surviving indigenous cultures. – Few comparable global experiences. Heritage – Historical landmarks. – Country of QE II’s ascension to the throne. – Country of some of Hollywood’s greatest romances. © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Sport – The Greater Value Sell cont.
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Golf – 39 golf courses – 12 Championship golf courses. – Caddy based with year round climate.
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Marine – Big Game Fishing. – Deep Sea Diving. – Kite Surfing. © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
New Developments •
Refurbishment & development of new facilities – Fairmont Hotels purchased several historical Kenyan properties (Mt. Kenya Safari Club, The Norfolk, The Mara Safari Club, etc.) and has invested millions and millions in renovation! – New 5 star, luxury accommodation: both boutique lodges and large hotels
• Delta Airlines new Nairobi Route – June 2009 •
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Launch of New Tourist circuits – Western – Nyanza – North Rift – Tana River U.S. & Kenya sign Open Skies Agreement (June 2008)
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Tourism Recovery Post Election Situation 1.
Crisis Management – – – –
2.
Activated Crisis Management Team – Government, Industry Stakeholders & KTB Daily Travel Updates to distributors, Agents, Consumers and Media Lobbied Politicians to get Kenya Back on Track Over 40,000 visitors were in Kenya during the post election timeframe and no tourists were hurt!
Impact on Economy – – – –
Tourism is the Leading Foreign Economic Earner for Kenya Every Dollar Spent Supports on average Ten People Many Industries in Kenya are Dependant on Tourism Community-Based and Eco-Tourism Projects are TOTALLY Dependant on Tourism © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Tourism Recovery cont. 3. Recovery Campaign – February & March 2008: Booths at Adventure Travel Expo’s in USA (LA & DC) – April 2008 Mega Media FAM; hundreds of journalists from around the world brought to Kenya to “see for themselves” – April Media Press Conferences: New York, Chicago, Atlanta and New Orleans – June 2008 Mega Agent FAM: hundreds of Agents from around the world brought to Kenya to “see for themselves” – June – August 2008 Tour Operator Co-op Promotions with 7 North American Tour Operators – Planned… • • • • •
Video News Release to be filmed in Kenya and distributed around North America Continue to work with television companies to entice them to film programs in Kenya Fall 2008 Media Mega FAM Fall 2008 KATS Agent MEGA FAM Fall 2008 KTB Road Show and Press Conferences in CAN and USA © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Tourism Recovery cont. We Assure you Kenya Tourism is…
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Sensible – Professional and Accountable Effective – Communicative, Active and Responsive Conscientious – Focused on our Consumer Needs Understanding – Sensitive to Consumer Fear and Misconception
• Responsible – Ensure Safety and Security of our Visitors at ALL Times
• Enduring – WE WILL REBOUND! © Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist (KATS) • • • •
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There are over 2,500 certified KATS Specialists The KATS program is an online education and engagement program for Travel Professionals There are 4 Lessons and a Test online at www.KenyaAgent.com Once you pass the exam you will receive: • Your KATS Certificate • You earn ICTA and/or CITC credit points • You will be more knowledgeable and able to sell more Kenya product • You will receive newsletters specifically for KATS Specialists regarding upcoming FAM opportunities, new lodge or property renovations, new flight options, etc! • KenyaAgent.com also has sales tools and image galleries for your use
Become a Master KATS and benefit additionally from consumer referrals (Master status if you travel to Kenya on a FAM or have been to Kenya in the last 5 years)
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Your resources •
Kenya Tourist Board North American Office 866-44-KENYA
• AGENT: www.kenyaagent.com • CONSUMER: www.magicalkenya.com • KENYA HIGH COMMISSION www.kenyahighcommission.ca • US EMBASSY www.kenyaembassy.com
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008
Asante Sana and Karibu Kenya!
© Kenya Tourist Board 2008