Uganda scoops best award at Kenya’s Tourism Expo

————–fair attracted a 40 percent increase in participation

Excellent: Ms Ann Safari (left) the General Manager of Jacaranda Ocean Beach Resort receives an award for the best stand in hotels category. About 40 hotels participated in the expo.

The Ugandan exhibition stand was ranked best overall at a close of a three-day Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) held at Leisure Lodge Resort in Diani, Kwale County over the weekend.
The tourism fair hosted by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and which attracted over 120 exhibitors from the travel trade was named as one of the best show attracting an increase of 40% participation compared to last year.
The Ugandan stand showcased by Uganda Tourist Board had a big number of exhibitors, and attracted a big number of clients.
“The general look in terms of branding and customer services, gave the Ugandan stand a lead over the rest”, says Ms Waithera Ng’ang’a, the Marketing Society of Kenya chief executive officer who led a group of judges in conducting the ranking the exhibitors.

Lamu County took the best stand slot under the County government category while Kajiado and Kwale were ranked second and third respectively. At least eleven counties showcased during the tourism fair.

Best County
“Lamu had a business approach to their exhibition, a mixture of every aspect of business including investment, tourism, trade and other attractions. The exhibiting staff were educative and engaging” says Ng’ang’a.
Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort was ranked the best facility under the hotel category out of about 40 hotel exhibiting in the expo while Pollman’s was voted the best under travel and tours category.

An exhibitor with a hosted buyer during MKTE event in Diani. About 35 countries were represented in the exposition to showcase Kenya’s tourism products.

The national Carrier, Kenya Airways was ranked the best under airline category, followed by Turkish and China Southern airline in that order.
The Africa Travel Trade Associations (ATTA) was ranked the best under the allied associations while Jovago was ranked second and Amref slotted at the third position.

 

 

Professional judging
While releasing the results, Ng’ang’a said the judging was done professionally and independently and noted that the exhibitions were up to the standard.
She said the 5th Edition of MKTE has the potential of being a global annual event owing to the professionalism associated to it and the growing interest by the travel trade.

KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa while congratulating the winners said the board will grow the fair to a must-attend expo not only within the region but globally.
“With the increasing interest and popularity of MKTE, we have the impetus to now take it to the next level. We have attracted over 35 countries, registered new entrants as exhibitors, and there is a room for better things,” said Ndegwa.

Deals signed
The event that was opened by the East African Affairs Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie was billed as one of the successful with exhibitors reporting good business deals.
Baobab Beach Resort, Diani General Manager Sylvester Mbadi said business during the event was impressive with the hotels holding business talks with the travel trade from Brazil, Denmark, England, Italy Botswana, UAE and Ghana among others.

An exhibitor with a hosted buyer during MKTE event in Diani. About 35 countries were represented in the exposition to showcase Kenya’s tourism products.