By BEN AGINA in Durban
Kenya and South Africa plan to share expertise to boost tourism revenues.
Speaking at South Africa's annual Travel Trade Show, Indaba 2010 in Durban, Tourism Minister Najib Balala said the two countries recognised the importance of tourism in economic growth, and were working on ways to unlock their potential through joint marketing and promotion.
"A joint marketing and promotion is needed to unlock the great potential in Africa's tourism market. The continent has not been turned into a jewel because of limited resources, among other factors," said the Minister
Mr Balala said Kenya will be working closely with South Africa and East African Community partner states to develop critical areas of human resource and training, sustainable tourism, tourism product classification and standardisation, and related legislations.
South Africa Tourism chief executive officer Thandiwe January McLean supported the minister's call for a closer working relationship between African countries saying the initiative would fasten the development of tourism.
co-operation
"We are grateful to have Kenyan exhibitors at the Indaba 2010, which is predominantly a South African Development Corporation (Sadc) affair. This shows the spirit of co-operation not competition and we encourage more African countries outside Sadc to follow Kenya's example. We have worked together with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) on a number of issues and we hope to develop this partnership further as we tackle common challenges of marketing our countries," said Ms McLean.
McLean added that developing a stronger co-operation with other African nations was vital to the South Africa's tourism as Africa was its key market.
"Africa market is more important than any other source market, including Europe. Out of the 9.96 million tourists who visited South Africa last year, 7.7 million came from the continent," she said.
This year, the number of Kenyan exhibitors at the fair increased remarkably. A record 47 exhibitors from Kenya exhibited at Indaba 2010, up from 13 who attended last year's event, said Mclean.
The Indaba 2010, is Africa's biggest annual travel tradeshow which ends today. It showcases South Africa's travel and tourism products and services, and attracts participants from across the world.
The 47 Kenyan exhibitors include 22 hoteliers, five game lodges and national reserves, 16 tour operators, a transport company, and two travel agents.
Indaba 2010 attracted varied participants ranging from tour operators to eco-tourism, travel agents in various sub-sectors, sporting holiday specialists, the media, transport firms, reservations systems, hoteliers, tourism marketing organisations, and educational groups.
Balala said it was the first time KTB is participating in this event despite not being a member of Sadc.
Source: The Standard | Online Edition
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