Kenya has been named the best travel destination in Africa, 2020.
The World Trade Association (WTA), global body awarding travel and tour entities in the African continent said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya stood out to emerge the top destination in the continent.
WTA made the announcement during the inaugural Africa Winners Day, with World Travel Awards.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) was also named the best tourist board in Africa 2020.
Jimi Kariuki, KTB’s Chairman said that WTA awards injects more encouragement into Kenyan tourism players.
He added that the board is keen on ensuring that it continues making improvements into the sector.
“This is a big encouragement to everybody in the tourism sector and shows that even as we go through this difficult time, Kenya still remains the top destination in Africa. We shall continue to improve our tourism products and to showcase our diverse offerings globally so that we remain ready for take-off once travel resumes fully,” said Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chairman Jimi Kariuki.
On her part, KTB CEO Dr Betty Radier said that the recognition by WTA as a top travel destination will bring in more tourists in the country.
Dr Radier said she is proud that efforts to keep the sector afloat when the country was on lockdown have borne fruits.
KTB ran two hashtags when the country was on lockdown with the intent to sell the beauty of Kenya.
his win makes us immensely proud. It shows that our efforts in showcasing our diverse offerings through our various campaigns have borne fruits with people anticipating to come to Kenya once travel resumes fully. For example, # TheMagicAwaits campaign showcased the development in the destination when countries were in lockdown. #RediscoverTheMagic is now creating expectation for travellers to come to Kenya,” she said.
Destination Kenya won Africa’s leading destination management company 2020 while Nairobi was named ‘Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination’, and Kenyatta International Convention Centre collected ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’.
