Kenya is pitching for more conferences and meetings as it seeks to enhance its position as a leading tourism destination globally.
The Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Heritage says that the meeting, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) subsector will play a pivotal role in revitalising tourism.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Climate Summit at KICC, Tourism CS Peninah Malonza said conferences have contributed heavily to visitor arrivals into the country.
"As we work towards fully recovering our tourism, it is imperative that we diversify our tourism offerings and strengthen our position as a preferred Mice destination," the CS said.
"The Mice sector not only brings in high-spending visitors but also serves as a platform to showcase Kenya's capabilities in hosting major international events."
The Africa Climate Summit event expected to record more than 20,000 delegates is billed as a significant milestone for Kenya's tourism sector, a resumption of Mice activities in the country.
CS Malonza underscored the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for Mice tourism in Kenya.
"We are investing in infrastructure, security, and the overall hospitality sector to ensure that Kenya remains a top choice for Mice planners and delegates," she affirmed.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is actively collaborating with stakeholders to market the country as a Mice destination, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife alongside its world-class conference facilities.
Kenya Tourism Board Ag CEO John Chirchir said the summit has brought about a positive impact on the hospitality services and disclosed that accommodation facilities in the city and its environs have reported 100 per cent bookings.
“Currently, the hospitality sector in Nairobi and its environs is reaping big with major hotels in Nairobi experiencing 100 per cent occupancy. Restaurants and tourism attractions in Nairobi and its environs are also expected to be full with visitors taking time to experience the destination” he said.
Chirchir said Mice business had a direct impact on travel, noting that Kenya is becoming an ideal destination for business and leisure with short air and road connections.
“Within an hour, a visitor is able to travel from an urban city to the bush for a game drive or to the beach for water sport activities,” he said.
Meanwhile travel packages have been lined up for the visiting delegates to visit attraction sites within the city.
According to Chirchir, a number of delegates will extend their stay after the summit to tour and sample what the country has to offer in terms of tourism.
“This is the reason we have our pavilion to connect delegates to Kenya away from the conference. The pavilion plays a pivotal role in presenting Kenya as a leading destination that offers a harmonious blend of natural wonders, diversity and a strong commitment to sustainable practices,” Chirchir said.
The institutions displaying at the pavilion will share with stand visitors and delegates various innovative ways of mitigating against adverse climate changes that threaten their existence.
The inaugural Nairobi Africa Climate Summit aims to give Africa’s voice and position during the upcoming global COP28.
This is in recognition of the increasing impacts of climate change on development with sustainable tourism identified as a high impact sector with global relevance.