Constitution flights to increase tourism numbers in Kenya – KBC

Charter flights will play an important role in boosting tourism in Kenya during the difficult Covid-19 pandemic.

This was said by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, while receiving the first-ever flight from Ukraine Kiev to Kenya at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

The flight operated by Bees Airline, a Ukrainian charter company, landed in Kenya and carried 189 visitors from Ukraine.

Of the 189 passengers on the flight, 21 were travel agents traveling by product knowledge to try Kenyan tourism products and offerings and sell the destination to consumers in their country.

Get breaking news on your phone as soon as it happens. SMS ‘NEWS’ until 20153

CS Balala said the flight is evidence of the progress Kenya is making in markets that are not considered traditional source markets for Kenya tourism.

He also indicated that the tourist products of the destinations match well with the needs of consumers from the Eastern European region.

“I am delighted with the progress we are making as a travel destination in attracting tourists from different markets. Last month we received the first Romanian charter in Kenya with 200 visitors. So far, this flight has had 5 rotations into the country, with one more expected later this month. We need to make sure we are exploring and tapping into all of the available markets. This is especially important now as there is less travel around the globe, ”said CS Balala.

CS Balala greeted visitors, noting that the flight had come at an important time and giving hope for the recovery of Kenyan tourism, which has been badly hit by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

“The charter flights we are receiving signal the growing trust in Kenya’s tourism products and readiness to fight COVID-19. I thank the marketers and travel agents who work tirelessly to bring visitors to Kenya. I assure you of the government’s support, we must all work together to fully revitalize the sector, ”added CS Balala

The Ukrainian market offers an opportunity to promote beach and wildlife products that are well received by consumers in the country.

The number of arrivals from Ukraine has been incremental in recent years: Kenya recorded 1,523 visitors in 2017 and 1,892 visitors in 2019.

Right now there is a great opportunity to increase the numbers through charters, especially due to the challenging environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We expect 9 revolutions from this flight in the coming months, which will increase the number of tourists we expect in the country. As a travel destination, it is therefore important that more charter flights come into the country to attract tourists. This will definitely be one of the ways to ensure continued business for players in the sector and to protect jobs for our citizens. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife will work closely with the organizers to ensure that the processes run seamlessly, ”commented CS Balala