Weekly Ecotourism Kenya News – 12/5/2020

Invitation by Kenya Tourism Federation to the Travel and Tourism Webinar – Now and Looking ahead

The CEO Kenya Tourism Federation, Ms Susan Ongalo will be hosting today’s online conversation on Tourism: Now and looking ahead. One of the discussion topic is, what is the current situation of the tourism industry amidst increase of COVID 19 cases? What is the way forward? She’ll be joined by the following guests:

CS Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Hon.Najib Balala – Chief Guest
Dr.Betty Radier – CEO, Kenya Tourism Board
Alex Avedi – CEO, Safarilink
Mohammed Hersi – CEO, KTF and moderator of today’s webinar.

Date: Tuesday, May 12 2020
Time: 02.30PM (EAT)
CLICK HERE to register.

2020 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) Cancelled
Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) would like to inform you that the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), which was to be held from 7 – 9 October 2020, has been cancelled. An alternative date will be communicated. The Kenya Tourism Board has carefully monitored the global health crisis related to COVID-19 and our top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in MKTE.

We appreciate all the exhibitors, hosted buyers, media, partners, and stakeholders who have continued to support MKTE.

4^th Part of the Tourism Businesses in Response to COVID-19 Series
Travel and tourism statistics have widely suggested that post covid-19 travellers are more likely to travel closer to home and less likely to long-haul destinations. The 4^th part of the SheTrades in the Commonwealth project seven-part webinar series to support businesses in responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19 is coming up this Friday.

Topic: Domestic and Regional Product Development
Date: Friday, 15^th May 2020
Time: 14.30hrs (EAT)
Register – CLICK HERE

The Webinar will focus on the African context and majorly Intra-Africa travel. What does it mean to develop intra-Africa travel products? What can African destinations do to influence and encourage intra-Africa travel? And what does it mean in terms of possible figures? See you there!

Sarova Terminates Management of Her Tsavo Game Lodges
It is end of an era after the iconic Taita-Hills and Salt-Lick Games Lodges in Tsavo National Park become the first high-profile casualties of an economic slowdown in the tourism industry in Kenya following Sarova Group of Hotels’ announcement to terminate the contract of managing the two properties.

Sarova’s Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said the termination of the management of the two world-class facilities will take effect from July 1 this year. “From that date, they will no longer be operated under the Sarova portfolio,” reads the communication announcing the termination letter dated Wednesday May 6, 2020.

The lodges will be operational as the new management prepares to take over. We will keep you updated on any new outcomes.

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa announces new dates
WTM Africa have announced new dates for 2021 to be 7^th – 9^th of April. The event that occurs every year in Cape Town, South Africa could not happen this year due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Claude Blanc, WTM Portfolio Director, said: “We are constantly reviewing the situation around COVID-19 and the impact on our events in line with local and national government and public health advice and World Health Organization guidelines. Our policies reflect those of the country governments in which our events take place.

Read more about – WTM AFRICA here.

How do we redesign tourism for a sustainable future?
The global impact of the coronavirus epidemic has stimulated some deep reflections, hard questions and stark realities of the world we live in. For the tourism sector, this unprecedented times offers an opportunity for introspection on what we need to do differently to practice responsible tourism.

The travel and tourism industry has recorded astonishing growth in recent years. However, as the world starts to travel again post COVID, it will be imperative to tap into empowering local tourism and ensuring pillars of sustainable tourism are in place. Strong community-based programs will help get us up and running again.

How can we redesign our industry to fit the changing world we will live in? And how can we adapt to the cultures of the communities we visit? Read more
 

PR Team
pr@ecotourismkenya.org
Ecotourism Kenya

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