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Kenya: Hoteliers Petition Govt to Pitch More International Events

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4 years ago

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Nairobi — Hoteliers and hospitality players in the country want the government to continue pitching for key international events which they say have had a positive impact on Kenya’s economy

International events, they said, have given them business besides their bigger role of putting the destination on the global map.

“International events hosted in the country have multiplier effect and as a nation we are calling on the government to position the country for more events,” says Naivasha’s Sewela Lodge General Manager George Ndung’u.

Kilifi County Beach Operators Association chairman Justin Kitao said the direction that the government has taken to support and partner with the private sector to host international events was positively contributing to the economy of the country.

The hospitality players were reacting to the impact of the 10th edition of East African Rally Classic that ended over the weekend in Watamu, Kilifi County.

“Because of the East African Rally classic, businesses in the hotels, restaurants and beach operations were at its peak, this is a reprieve to us as we recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic that has slowed tourism business,” said the chairman.

Hotels and other hospitality facilities in the rally routes reported brisk business with stakeholders in the sector applauding the government for supporting pitching of events to come to the country

The rally attracted 46 rally drivers including Kenyans and countries from across the globe including Europe, Asia, and America. The legendary nine-day rally covered 5,000 Kilometres across 11 counties and over 360 towns in Kenya.

Some of the counties that benefited from the international media limelight because of the rally routes include Nakuru, Laikipia, Kajido, Taita, and Kilifi among others.

Kitao emphasized the importance of the government to continue pitching for such events to be held in the country especially now when most businesses were working towards a full rebound “It is important that we continue having these and more events to ensure that we continue attract acting and showcasing the country,” he added.

Naivasha-based Matteo’s Restaurant proprietor Francesco Checchini termed the rally event as an economic booster at all times, “This is an absolutely important event, and it gives us an opportunity to promote this beautiful country,” he said.

Ocean Sports proprietor Florian Biziere said Kenya was quickly positioning international events as a way of growing the destination to a global limelight