Kenyan tourism practitioners have gathered in Abuja to promote African tourism in an event tagged “Magical Kenya” brought together by Kenyan tourism practitioners led by the Kenyan Tourism Board.
Addressing the assembly, Acting Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Mogere, emphasised the imperative for Africans to take charge of their continent’s destiny.
“Africans must bring themselves together to build Africa. We are no longer going to wait for the rest of the world to come and build our countries. Our countries must be built by our people. And the only way we can build our capacities is to allow free movement of people and goods to every country. That is why we have the African Continental Free Trade Area, which has now opened the space for all countries to integrate and come together.That’s the main agenda that we are driving—that for Africans, we must develop African nations,” expressed Mr. Mogere.
He advocated for African tourism as a unifying force, citing Africa’s divine endowment of breathtaking landscapes and favourable climates, waiting to be harnessed.
Highlighting Kenya’s 2024 roadmap, Mr. Mogere unveiled plans to facilitate visa-free access for all African citizens, heralding a collective effort towards economic prosperity, infrastructure development, and continental solidarity.
“All countries are blessed one way or the other and the only way you can harness these resources is to come together,” he remarked.
Mr. Mogere underscored tourism’s vital role in Kenya’s GDP and its potential as a catalyst for growth across Africa.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Alex Tunoi, Marketing Manager of the Kenya Tourism Board, emphasised the significance of the Magical Kenya initiative in attracting visitors, particularly from Nigeria, a key market with vast potential for tourism expansion. Mr. Tunoi explained that the fair aims to introduce Kenya to Nigerian travelers on a larger scale
Mr. Anthony Mbehelo, Principal and CEO of Kenyan TeleColledge, stressed the symbiotic relationship between Africa and Nigeria, advocating for collaboration to drive mutual progress. He disclosed ongoing discussions to enhance tourism education for Nigerians.
Similarly, Mr. Steve Biko Marangabassa, Regional Sales Manager of Sarova Hotels, hailed Nigeria as a pivotal market, acknowledging Nigerians’ adventurous spirit and their eagerness to explore new destinations. He expressed. that he appreciates Nigeria’s support towards opening up Africa.
Reflecting on the event, Nairobi-based tour operator Mr. Konsada Keisa praised the turnout and engagement level, foreseeing a significant uptick in travel between Abuja and Kenya.
The fair concluded with the presentation of gifts and the awarding of complimentary tickets to Kenya for four Nigerian tour operators, symbolising the burgeoning collaboration between the two nations in advancing African tourism.
