july/august NEWS TO USE


Kenya on comeback path


BY JO AUSTIN WHILE the Foreign Office continues to advise Britons to avoid all but essential travel to its northern coastal region, the Kenya Tourist Office (KTB) is adamant that the rest of its palm- fringed 500k coastline is very much open for business, as is the rest of the country, especially for safaris. To support its message, the KTB has


been running a series of high-end press trips around the country. Heading up the task force, David


Stogdale Managing Director of Great Plains Conservation, said: “The industry is coming together as it faces its worst dip in a decade, with the coast being the hardest hit. “The UK is the leading source market


for international visitors and in a bid to boost numbers and marketing funds we have launched a ‘#Why I Love Kenya’ campaign inviting people to share their experiences, photos and videos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram”. Added Muriithi Ndegwa,


KTB


Managing Director: “I appeal to all friends of Kenya to come together and use the hash tag to spread the word


that Kenya is the country to visit”. Commenting on sales to Kenya, Ash


Sofat, Chief Executive of Somak Holidays said “While we are following FCO advice by not sending our clients to Mombasa or Lamu, our luxury tented Ashnil Camp in the Mara is showing high occupancies.


If


consumers have been to Kenya before they know what to expect and are continuing to travel”. Added Africa specialist Bill Adams


of Safari Consultants: “Even through troubled times the warmth, affection, and sincerity shown in small safari camps across Kenya has always shone through and this is no less applicable today than it was 50 years ago.” Speaking to Selling Long Haul at the


luxury Medina Palms hotel at Watamu on the Kenya coast, Max Cheli, General Manager


said: “While security is


causing us a challenge the (Kenyan) government is making huge investment


in infrastructure in the


region with plans to extend the runway at Malindi to take international flights by January 2015.” magicalkenya.com


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IN BRIEF


Design Hotels’ 15% commission: Design Hotels™ is running a special travel agent promotion with over 120 of its member hotels awarding 15% commission


on its best


available rates. The offer is valid for all GDS bookings for arrivals until August 31, 2014. designhotels.com/commission


Leela Getaways: The Leela Palace


Udaipur, The Leela Goa and The Leela Kovalam in India each have new special rates and luxury packages. The Leela Getaways, from £88pp, offer savings of up to 33%, a free room night (minimum two-night stay) and savings for advance bookings. theleela.com/the-leela-getaways


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