Tourism stakeholders are urging the government to fast-track the operationalisation of the Kenya National Convention Bureau and expand direct international flights to Mombasa following the successful hosting of the first-ever international ocean conference in Africa, which attracted more than 6,000 delegates.
The call comes as Mombasa hosts the 11th Our Ocean Conference at the ultra-modern Tembo International Convention Centre at PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa, marking the first time the global event has been held on African soil.
The newly established convention centre, which has a capacity of 6,000 people and features a nature walk, provides an ideal venue for the conference due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean.
PrideInn Hotels, Resorts and Camps Group Managing Director Hasnain Noorani said the convention centre is the largest on the Kenyan coast and expressed pride in hosting the landmark conference.
“The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market is a very big market across the world. Kenya has always been in the top two when it comes to hosting association conferences for MICE; however, in the last couple of years, we have dropped to nearly fourth position,” said Noorani.
He noted that Cape Town in South Africa currently leads the rankings, followed by Rwanda, Morocco and Kenya. “Our goal is to put the Kenyan coast and Kenya into the world MICE hub,” he said.
“Establishing the Tembo International Convention Centre is a way of creating opportunities for Kenyans and demonstrating our confidence that Kenya has a great opportunity for hosting association conferences and world MICE meetings.”
He explained that the Kenyan coast offers a unique tourism experience, combining white sandy beaches, marine parks, wildlife safaris, rich history and cultural heritage in one destination.
“This is the only destination in the world where you can have breakfast by the beach and be able to be in the bush by lunch. When we have association meetings or world MICE meetings in Mombasa, they are not only coming for the meeting but for a Kenyan experience.”
The MD commended the government for its efforts in marketing Kenya but urged authorities to fully implement the Open Sky Policy to allow more direct flights to Mombasa through Moi International Airport.
Kenya Tourism Board Director Victor Shitakha said the successful hosting of the international conference demonstrates Kenya’s stability and growing appeal as a destination that blends MICE and leisure tourism.
“You have been told that we used to be number two, then we went down to number four. Kenya is coming back,” promised the KTB Director, adding that Kenya is also championing efforts to conserve 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030 to enhance the attractiveness of its coastline.
He assured delegates that Kenya is prepared to host more international conferences, both at the Coast and in Nairobi.
The Director said the Ministry of Tourism is working around the clock to implement the Open Sky Policy, facilitate more direct flights to Mombasa and support ongoing airport upgrades.
“Good things are coming to Kenya. I know for sure that with the Kenya National Convention Bureau that is being established, we are going to bid for a lot more conferences and events because Kenya has the capacity to do this,” stated Shitakha.
by Sadik Hassan
