Firdosh Bulsara, President of TOPAC
Quick, what comes to mind when you think of Kenya: far away, exotic, wild… expensive?
Many words can be used to describe this country, however, it’s the message that Kenya is an exciting, inclusive and feasible vacation destination that their Tourist Board wants to drive home.
During the Toronto stop of a recent four city cross-Canada road show, agents and invited guests gathered to meet specialized suppliers including: My Escapades; Kenya Airways; Goway; Sita World Tours; Africa Experts; Tourcan Vacations; Big Five Tours & Expeditions; Adventure Center and The Safari Partners. The emphasis of the evening was to learn about Kenya and how to sell it.
In recent months Firdosh Bulsara, President of TOPAC (Tour Operators Promoting Africa in Canada) has observed that for most agents, the cruise vacation, European tour and all inclusive southern holiday are an easy sell, but they seem to face a road block when it comes to Africa. An impromptu survey at the Toronto stop of the road show displayed a sparse show of hands from the very few in attendance who have travelled there. Agents need to see the country firsthand and get away from the “fear factor” of the unknown, said Bulsara. “Experience cannot match.”
A Kenya safari - or “journey” as the Swahili word translates to - may be a big ticket item, however, there is a huge range of options to suit all travellers, from the more budget conscious to the luxe adventure seeker. Costs can range from “$80 a day to $3350 a night.”
According to the tourist board website, Magical Kenya, “there are very few places where you will find savannahs rich with big game, timeless cultures, pristine beaches and coral reefs, equatorial forests and mighty snow-capped mountains, searing deserts and cool highland.” With so many opportunities for adventure or relaxation in such a beautiful and unique setting, how can anyone afford not to go – even if only once in a lifetime.
People are looking for experiences beyond the packaged beach holiday and Kenya’s visitor numbers reflect the growing interest. With 34 international flights touching down daily the demand does exist.
One agent I spoke with told me that she has not been to Kenya but would “love to”, and has been asked by clients about safaris. “I think there are misconceptions out there that Kenya is expensive, unsafe, full of snakes and spiders and difficult to get to.”
Misconceptions like these are proof that awareness and open dialogue about Kenya are necessary. It is a “profitable destination” said Jonathan Koinange, Regional Marketing Manager Kenya Tourist Board, and if a journey of a lifetime is what your client is looking for, a Kenya safari is where it’s at.
