Tourism Sector Achieving Impressive Growth
| Kenya’s tourism sector has been achieving impressive growth over the past few years, with tourism arrivals rising from 1.14 million in 2003 to 1.36 million last year. Tourism generated around 39.2 billion KES for Kenya in 2004, a 51.9% increase over 2003’s tourism earnings, according to Morris Dzoro, former Minister for Tourism and Wildlife. |
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Morris Dzoro
former Minister
for Tourism and Wildlife
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ecent marketing initiatives, including ones targeted at new markets as well as the traditional markets of Europe and the US, have helped to spur on the growth of the tourism sector, Dzoro explains.
Thanks to its unique natural resources, such as wildlife and varied geography that includes jungle, game-rich plains and superb beaches, Kenya has long been a top international tourism destination. The country offers a number of well-managed game parks for safaris, and Kenya has been the target of extensive investment by international hotel chains and local hotel and resort operators so that today, the country boasts a wide choice of accommodations as well as special services for business travelers.
In recent years, the ministry and the country’s tourism board have been working to broaden and upgrade Kenya’s tourism offerings by developing special-interest tourism options. As Dzoro points out, “The foundation of Kenya’s tourism remains wildlife and beaches, but we are adding value to these core products by highlighting and emphasizing additional products such as culture tourism, ecotourism, sports holidays, adventure tourism, short breaks, honeymoon trips and conferencing, to make Kenya a multi-faceted tourism destination.”
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The tourism sector offers excellent potential for investors thanks to the country’s winning combination of outstanding attractions along with a business-friendly government. Among many major foreign investments in the tourism sector are the Bomas of Kenya Tourism Hotel Project and the Bomas of Kenya Amusement Park Project, both currently under way.
Dzoro supports partnerships between foreign investors and local partners in the tourism sector, and particularly welcomes involvement by investors in the US. As he points out, “America is now Kenya’s second-largest source market after Europe, with overall tourist arrivals from America increasing from 44,900 in 2003 to 169,600 in 2004.” |
| Eastern & Southern Safaris Ltd. |
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ombining in-depth knowledge of eastern Africa with excellent guides and outstanding customer service, Eastern & Southern Safaris is a top choice for travelers to Kenya. This family-owned tour operator was founded in 1997 by a local couple, Maina and Serah Njoroge. They offer many types of wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as beach holidays in Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and Zanzibar. Maina Njoroge says, “The main difference between us and our competitors, both large and small tour operators, is the personalized service we offer each and every client.”
Eastern & Southern Safaris organizes a variety of trips depending on clients’ preferred transportation, lodging options and interests. As Serah explains, “This part of Africa is bestowed with a great variety of wild animals, birds, scenic beauty and culture. We organize various types of safaris and trips and we also create tailor-made itineraries to suit individual and/or group interests. We can work with you to design your dream safari.”
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Serah Njoroge
Director Sales & Marketing
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“We can work with you to design your dream safari.”
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Eastern & Southern Safaris is known for its excellent drivers and guides who have in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and the company is a member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), a guarantee of high standards and professionalism, and is also a member of the East Africa Wildlife Society, whose aim is to protect the local wildlife.
The Njoroges welcome travelers from the US. “Our main plans for growth and expansion are to create more unforgettable trips for our clients. Americans travel a really long way to visit our country and we wish to provide an exclusive and memorable trip for all of them,” Maina Njoroge says. Serah Njoroge concludes, “Eastern & Southern Safaris welcomes you to Africa, a diverse and exciting continent that brings out the adventurer in you. This is perhaps where life began and evolved. Karibu Kenya!” |
| The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club |
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he Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, located just 15 minutes from busy Nairobi city center, is a real discovery. Set in 210 acres, it offers all the benefits of a country retreat with the advantages of a top business and leisure hotel.
The hotel features one of the best 18-hole championship golf courses on the African continent, hosting a Senior PGA tour event in 1995. Golfers can tee off at 6,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by spectacular coffee plantations and watched by Syke's monkeys.
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Mike Macharia
General Manager
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“We like to think that we cater to everyone.”
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The 130 spacious Victorian-style rooms, suites and cottages all overlook the golf course. There are three restaurants onsite, as well as tennis and squash courts, a jogging track, sports & karaoke bar, gym, steam rooms and pool.
With one of the securest locations in Nairobi, the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club is an excellent choice for a conference or seminar. Its seven meeting rooms and full-service business center can accommodate up to 200 delegates.
The Windsor has played host to number of high level meetings and conferences chaired by Heads of State from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan and ex-US President Jimmy Carter. The UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan has visited three times most recently with the entire UN Security Council. Other personalities that have been hosted at the Windsor include Bill Gates, Gene Hackman, Nelson Mandela and Glenn Close.
As General Manager Mike Macharia says, "We really like to think that we take the worries away for tourists and business clients. Our motto is listening to what our guests want." |
| Safari Park Hotel & Casino |
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airobi’s Safari Park Hotel & Casino stands out among local hotels for its special character, exceptional service and attention to security. As Solomon Matiri, the General Manager, points out, “We have made our mark within the hotel business by offering something different. Safety is our primary responsibility, and service is key here. Everyone here is dedicated to making your stay as comfortable as possible.”
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Solomon Matiri General Manager
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“Service is key here.”
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The hotel is surrounded by luxuriant gardens yet offers easy access to the international airport and Nairobi’s business and commercial center. With 204 guestrooms, a discotheque, casino, business center and exceptional facilities for conferences, Safari Park Hotel has something for everyone. Guests can choose among African, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or international cuisine in the hotel’s five restaurants.
The Safari Park Hotel staff excels at organizing any type of gathering, from incentive events to international conferences, and the hotel is equipped with the latest audiovisual and telecommunications technologies.
Guests can enjoy the Safari Parks’ spa, fitness center, pool with its own artificial beach, a jogging track, squash courts, tennis courts, and more including golf and horseback riding within easy distance of the hotel. For luxurious facilities, superior service and authentic African style, the Safari Park Hotel & Casino is the natural choice. |
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