Leading the pack by retaining the Africa’s leading tourism board for the fourth time in a row, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) altogether bagged nine awards in various categories at the 22nd World Travel Awards (WTA) held in Seychelles. While Maasai Mara Game Reserve was voted Africa’s leading National Park with Diani beach clinching Africa’s leading beach destination. Twiga Tours was ranked Africa’s leading luxury safari destination as well as Africa’s responsible tourism company. Carlson Wagonlit topped as Kenya’s leading travel Management Company as well as Kenya’s leading travel company.
Naivaisha- based Spa Resort, Enashipai won as Kenya’s leading spa while Nairobi Serena triumphed as Kenya’s leading business hotel. It was also crowned Kenya’s green hotel.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Commerce and Tourism Principal Secretary Ibrahim Mohammed said, “The sterling performances by the industry will go a long way in building the country’s brand equity and called on the players in the sector to continuously improve on their service delivery.”
“Hospitality industry has to keep pace with the changing needs of clientele and therefore a need for constant improvement of product and services. These awards Kenyan travel trade has received today are demonstration of services improvement” said Mohammed.
KTB Managing Director, Muriithi Ndegwa said, “We are honoured to win the title of the Leading Tourism Board for the fourth time running and this will add impetus to our marketing strategies despite the challenges that have bedeviled the sector in the recent past”.
Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Mr. Alain St. Ange told the travel industry that it was time for Africa to stand together and be counted despite all the challenges that were facing the sector.
He said Africa’s rich tourism products remain world’s admiration but regretted that the continent was only able to net close to 5 per cent of the travelers globally and challenged the industry to showcase their best destinations.
