NAIROBI, Kenya
The government has launched the November Eclipse sighting as part of its campaigns to promote tourism. Activities will focus on viewing of the total eclipse and in partnership with Marsabit County in Sibiloi National Park, in the Northern part of the country. The viewing will take place on November 3, 2013.
Speaking during the launch, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie noted the tourism sector contributes 11 percent of the country’s GDP. She added that the full potential of this sector is yet to be realised and such initiatives like the November eclipse sighting will help unlock more tourist attractions.
“There are many areas of our beautiful land that remain unexplored and under marketed. The so-called Northern Frontier is one such area. Exploring the gems in this area will no doubt expand fortunes in the tourism sector,” said Mrs Kandie. “By extension, viewing of the total eclipse in Turkana presents a chance for all those in attendance to see what Marsabit, Isiolo and Samburu counties have to offer.”
She said that on performance, arrivals from emerging markets of India, United Arab Emirates, China and Australia increased. This data was gathered from established routes dominated by key airlines such as Kenya Airways, Etihad and Emirates. Despite being long haul destinations from Kenya, China and Austria both recorded a 4 per cent increase compared to 2011/2012.
The ministry is committed to investing more in the emerging markets, Middle East over and above in domestic tourism, she added. “We are working to ensure we join the world’s big league in tourism. Kenya as a destination boasts unrivalled natural beauty and diversity that we must tell the rest of the world about now,” said Mrs Kandie.
Later this month, the Ministry will host the gala for the World Travel Awards WTA- Africa Category on 16th October at the Safari Park Hotel. A few days after the gala, it will host travel agents from close to 30 countries during the 3rd edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo from 18th to 20th October at the KICC.
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