Kenya has been described as an ideal destination for international conferences and events.
A leading South African expert in advertising Ricky Taylor said the country should focus more on aggressive marketing strategies to attract more international conferences and events.
“Kenya has the capacity and adequate facilities for the Meeting Incentives Convention and Events (MICE),” said Taylor who is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Business Tourism Company in South Africa.
The South Africa Company has been contracted by the Kenya National Convention Bureau (KNCB) to undertake its strategic plan and guide it towards becoming a fully professional body.
Speaking during the inaugural KNCB stakeholders meeting at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa on Monday, Taylor described Kenya as one of the best places for conventions and events.
KNCB is a government entity established to market Kenya as an ideal MICE destination and secure more international meetings and events.
Taylor said the Bureau serves as a very good economic driver that will add value to the hospitality industry.
Ms Tasneem Adamji who chaired a special taskforce that recommended for the establishment of KNCB in 2016 said with the establishment of the bureau, Kenya stands to benefit immensely from international meetings and events market.
Adamji noted that the global Mice presence in Kenya was missing as the country was largely famous in beach and safari tourism.
She said immediately the Bureau was established, its officials embarked on benchmarking in countries where they have advanced in Mice area such as Malaysia, South Africa, Dubai and Germany.
On her part, KNCB National Coordinator Jacinta Nzioka said the Organisation has developed a Blueprint 2030 to serve as a guide and help enhance efficiency and professionalism.
Nzioka said the Blueprint focused on key issues of competitiveness where KNCB intends to grow Mice and position Kenya globally.
The meeting was also addressed by the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) chairman Mohamed Hersi who said that the establishment of KNCB was long overdue.
by Mohamed Hassan
