Investors in Kenya’s tourism industry are being called to leverage the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) to forge global partnerships and expand their businesses. This annual event is a crucial platform for local travel enterprises to connect with international buyers and explore new opportunities.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa emphasized the significance of MKTE in helping small and medium-sized travel businesses gain access to international markets. Over 60% of these enterprises cannot afford to attend expos abroad, making MKTE an essential gateway for global exposure.
“MKTE has consistently facilitated connections between local tourism businesses and international markets, spurring significant growth in the sector,” said PS Ololtuaa. “Our goal is to continue using this platform to help MSMEs in tourism establish themselves globally.”
The 14th edition of MKTE will take place from October 2-4, 2024, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. The event will gather partners to enhance the premier travel show in East Africa and explore new collaboration opportunities.
In 2023, MKTE attracted over 3,000 delegates from 25 countries, showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings. The 2024 edition aims to draw 5,000 delegates and 160 hosted buyers, including over 100 buyers’ clubs. After a successful joint expo with the East African Regional Tourism Expo last year, MKTE returns as a standalone event, offering EAC member states a chance to network and discover new business opportunities.
PS Ololtuaa reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and creating a favorable environment for tourism businesses. “We are dedicated to continuously improving our policies to support tourism enterprises, particularly those at the grassroots level,” he added.
Ololtuaa also highlighted the untapped potential of domestic tourism. “While we strive to attract international visitors, we must also promote domestic tourism. Encouraging Kenyans to explore their own country can unlock significant opportunities,” he said.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei expressed confidence in MKTE 2024 building on past successes. “MKTE has established itself as a reliable platform for Kenyan travel trade, County Governments, and associated brands to access international markets,” she stated.
Chepkemei revealed plans to increase hosted buyers from new markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Australia, aligning with Kenya’s destination diversification strategy. She also noted KTB’s target of attracting 3 million visitors by the end of 2024.
MKTE 2024 presents a vital opportunity for investors to engage with global partners, explore new markets, and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s tourism sector.