Kenyans in the diaspora have the potential to contribute to the development of tourism and investment openings in their motherland.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to UK Manoah Esipisu said stronger links and structures need to be put in place to leverage the networks existing among the diaspora for the benefit of the country.
He was speaking over the weekend during a diaspora forum jointly organized by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Kenya’s High Commission in UK to rally the Kenyans living in London and environs behind tourism promotion and marketing.
“It is our links and networks that we need to strengthen so that we all position our motherland in a positive light as regards tourism and other economic ventures”, said Esipisu.
He added, “you are brand ambassadors of your country and we count on the collective responsibility amongst all of us towards this noble gesture of positively contributing to our motherland”.
KTB chief executive offer Dr Betty Radier in a statement disclosed that Kenyans living abroad have become a critical avenue for reaching out to potential travellers through word of mouth.
“In our engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora, we will have the opportunity to share travel behaviour insights with them and at the same time get their views on proper, viable and effective ways of joint promotion marketing”, said Radier.
Participants in the forum hailed the initiative, the first forum to be held, as one of the strategies of enhancing awareness of Kenya’s economic potential not only in tourism but in other sectors of the economy.
“We are ready to work with you and support all initiatives the Kenyan government is sharing with us that would ultimately contribute to the economic well-being of our nation”, says Kenya Diaspora Association UK chapter chairman Mordicks Asimba.
UK market is one of the key traditional source markets into the country in the second position after the United States. Last year, the market it posted 184,002 arrivals, contributing about 10% of the market share.
At the same time, Kenya through KTB participated in a four-day exhibition at Excell Centre in London at the sidelined of preparation of this year’s London Olympics to promote tourism.
Radier said the exhibition was to leverage the marathon which Kenya is known for and showcase other tourism products adding that a number of promotional campaigns have been lined up in the market to woo travellers into Kenya.
