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June Chepkemei to Revolutionize Kenya’s Global Appeal

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Nairobi, Kenya, March 22, 2024 / VISITKENYA / June Chepkemei, former Acting Managing Director at Kenya Investment Authority, has been appointed as the new CEO of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), succeeding John Chirchir. Her three-year tenure was confirmed via a gazette notice on March 19, 2024.

Chepkemei, previously tasked with attracting investments to Kenya, brings a wealth of experience, having led successful bids for international events like the 41st IASP world conference. Recognized for her digital leadership, she spearheaded initiatives like the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative.

With a background in communications and marketing, Chepkemei is well-equipped to promote Kenya’s tourism industry. Her appointment signals a fresh direction for Kenya’s tourism sector under her leadership.

Chepkemei will hold the position for the next three years, succeeding John Chirchir who has been at the helm of the tourism board in acting capacity since November 2022.

Her appointment was confirmed via a gazette notice date March 19, 2024.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 37(1) of the Tourism Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife appoints June Teclar Chepkemei to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board,” the notice reads in part.

Chepkemei was appointed Acting KenInvest MD in January 2023 by then Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

She was at the time tasked with the responsibility of spearheading strategies to attract and grow investments to Kenya from USD 500 million to USD 10 billion by end of 2023.

In 2022, Chepkemei successfully led Kenya’s team in a fruitful bid to host the 41st International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) world conference slated for 2024.

She was also part of the team that was charged with delivering Technology and Innovation Jamhuri in 2022.

She has served as a member of the Taskforce on the Kenya Media Policy Guidelines, following her appointment by then ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs CS in 2021.

Chepkemei was named among the Top 25 Women in Digital 2021 having pioneered the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative that brought together various industry stakeholders to support the commercialization of research, innovation and the development of new solutions and enterprises within Konza Technopolis.

In 2017, June was appointed as the Project Coordinator for a New Institute of Strategic National Importance, Kenya Advance Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), that was developed by the Ministry of ICT & Digital Economy in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Before joining Konza, Chepkemei was the Communications Business Partner at Safaricom Limited, after a six year stint in the media industry where she rose through the ranks from an intern to become a Business News Editor.

She holds a Master’s degree in Communications Studies from Moi University, a Bachelor’s Degree in PR & Communications from Moi University, Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing of the UK, and an Executive Certificate on Innovation from Stanford Centre For Professional Development.

She is also a Chartered Marketer by the Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK.

 

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels International Brings Hybrid Hospitality to Nairobi

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Dusit Hotels International Brings Hybrid Hospitality to Nairobi - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, August 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The new Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi features a unique hybrid collection of one-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, and deluxe hotel rooms in the leafy commercial hub of Westlands in the city of Nairobi. Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has continued its global expansion with the opening of a unique hybrid property in Nairobi – Dusit Princess Hotel Residences – which features 100 spacious deluxe hotel rooms and apartments in the city’s prime Westlands neighbourhood, just 40 minutes by road from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via the newly built Nairobi Expressway.

• Discover magical Kenya with the exclusive travel guide VisitKenya.com, Where the Safari was Born.

Designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, the new upper-midscale property is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style and offers superior in-stay essentials for short and long-stay guests.

Throughout its 14 deluxe hotel rooms, 30 studio apartments, and 56 one-bedroom apartments, guests can expect highly comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, high-pressure showers, and thoughtful working spaces complete with USB charging ports and complimentary high-speed internet access. The one-bedroom apartments also feature a kitchenette and dining area with a built-in fridge, microwave oven, a four-plate induction cooker, and a washing machine with dryer. High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for plenty of natural light and stunning views of the city’s skyline.

Alongside Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, artfully blended with Kenyan culture and heritage, guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities, including a heated swimming pool, an ultra-modern rooftop gym, and five state-of-the-art meeting rooms whose combined capacity can seat up to 150 guests in theatre style.

For dining, guests can choose from an efficient, convenient grab-and-go outlet and two exciting additions to Nairobi’s food and beverage scene – The Olive Restaurant and The Aviary Lounge Bar.

The Olive Restaurant is a modern Italian-inspired all-day dining outlet whose décor bears the colours and images of harvested grapes and olives. Alongside buffet breakfast, it offers a carefully curated variety of international cuisines and local favourites.

The new rooftop hangout The Aviary Lounge Bar, meanwhile, is a vibrant place to meet, mingle and relax in a modern, stylish setting inspired by the life of birds, flora and fauna. Decorated with elegant bird cages and featuring sweeping views of the city, The Aviary Lounge elevates the bar experience even further with its wide range of classic, innovative cocktails, creative bar snacks, and atmospheric beats from an in-house DJ.

Guests and residents at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi will also benefit from the property’s unique local connections offering numerous opportunities to explore the rich heritage of Kenya’s capital and the natural wonders of its broader surrounds. The Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world within a capital city, is only a 45-minute drive from the property. A day trip gives guests the opportunity to spot big game such as lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and more.

“Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi has all the elements to deliver comfort and convenience at excellent value for international guests and locals alike,” said the property’s General Manager, Mr Franco Rienzo. “Our prime location in the exclusive Westlands neighbourhood is only five kilometres from the CBD, and our unique blend of one-bedroom apartments, studio apartments, and deluxe hotel rooms ensures we are the ideal base for short trips and extended stays – a great option for anyone looking to work remotely from the hotel in style.

“With global travel rebounding and Kenya’s tourist arrivals on the rise, we look forward to welcoming the world to discover Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality at Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, an exciting new addition to Nairobi’s hospitality industry.”

To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi is offering a special room package starting from only USD 3,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and USD 120 per day for the entry-level room (deluxe room with breakfast). The offer is inclusive of all taxes and valid from 1 September to 31 December 2022.

• Discover magical Kenya with the exclusive travel guide VisitKenya.com, Where the Safari was Born.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of six brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism to Create 14 Million Jobs in Africa within the Next Decade

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Tourism to Create 14 Million Jobs in Africa within the Next Decade - VISITKENYA.com - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, May 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the African Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create almost 14 million new jobs over the next decade.

The positive forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which shows an average of 1.4 million new jobs every year, also reveals the sector will lead the economic recovery in the region, with its annual GDP growth set to outpace the overall economy for the next 10 years.

According to the report, Travel & Tourism’s GDP is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 6.8% annually between 2022-2032, more than twice the 3.3% growth rate of region’s overall economy, to reach nearly US$ 279 billion (7.2% of the total economy).

The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow 20.5% to US$ 144 billion by the end of 2022, amounting to 5.1% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow by 3.1% this year to reach nearly 22 million jobs.

The global tourism body’s annual report also shows further optimism for the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, which could approach pre-pandemic levels by 2023 – just 9% below 2019 levels.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa is clearly bouncing back and is set to experience a significant recovery over the couple of years and looking ahead over the next 10 years, the sector could create almost 14 million jobs.

“However, last year the recovery was significantly impacted by Omicron, which saw many countries reinstating severe and unjustified travel restrictions on several key African destinations.”

Before the pandemic, the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP was 6.8% (US$182.4 billion) in 2019, falling to just 3.8% (US$96.5 billion) in 2020 when the pandemic was at its height, nearly halving the contribution of such a crucial sector to the economy with a 47.1% decline.

The sector also supported more than 25 million jobs across the region, which after a 22.9% drop, fell to just 19.6 million in 2020.

However, looking back at 2021, WTTC’s latest EIR report reveals a year in which we saw the beginning of the recovery for the region’s Travel & Tourism sector, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP increased 23.5% year on year, to reach more than US$119 billion.

It also saw a recovery of 1.6 million Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a positive 8.2% rise to reach more than 21 million.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott to Open Luxury Safari Lodge in Kenya’s Masai Mara

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Marriott to Open Luxury Safari Lodge in Kenya's Masai Mara - VISITKENYA.com - TRAVELINDEXMasai Mara, Kenya, May 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge signals growth in the continent as the global hospitality leader enters the luxury safari segment. Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges Ltd to enter the safari segment in Africa. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife conservation and wilderness regions. Offering discerning travellers an unparalleled setting, the elegant retreat expects to welcome guests in 2023.

Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. Plans for the new-build lodge feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, ideal for families, each with a private terrace overlooking the river.

Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening. The untamed landscape will offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants. Between June and September, the reserve is also host to the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.

“As a brand rooted in mindfulness, we cannot think of a more perfect retreat for the mind, body, and soul than the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya,” said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott, Marriott International. “JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as they connect with nature and wildlife as never before. We are thrilled that the JW Marriott brand will be welcoming adventure travellers, including families, to this breath-taking part of the world.”

Conservation of the land and its inhabitants will be at the heart of JW Marriott Masai Mara. The safari lodge aims to employ up to 50 locals from the Masai community, and will offer robust learning opportunities for guests looking to immersive themselves in the destination.

“The signing of JW Masai Mara Lodge is a milestone in Marriott International’s growth in Africa as the company enters the luxury safari segment. This landmark project is in response to travellers’ growing desire for experiential offerings that enable them to build a deeper connection with their chosen destination. JW Marriott encourages guests to be mindful and present, which perfectly lends itself to meaningful safari holidays,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

A nod to the captivating surroundings, guests can expect an authentic sense of place through artful design and architecture. Sophisticated, interiors will be led by Kristina Zanic. The location and surrounding landscape will be reflected at every turn, creating harmony with the natural world and drawing inspiration from the elements: earth, wind, fire and water. Warm touches of neutrals and natural materials, will lend to a warm ambience, while a earth tone colour palette promises to sit in harmony with the landscape, inviting guests to connect with nature and focus on their wellbeing.

During their stay, guests will enjoy the immersive, holistic approach to wellness while being mindful of the environment and their impact on the land.

“We’re delighted to collaborate with Marriott International to debut this stunning luxury lodge and their first Safari offering in the Masai Mara,” said Mr. Shivan Patel of Baraka Lodges Ltd.

Marriott International currently operates more than 120 properties in Africa across its portfolio. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will join Marriott Bonvoy’s growing portfolio of 8,000 hotels globally.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travellers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Kenya Airways Signs Strategic Alliance with South African Airways

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Kenya Airways Signs Strategic Alliance with South African AirwaysNairobi, Kenya, September 29, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Kenya’s national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) and South Africa Airways (SAA) have entered a memorandum of cooperation with a longer-term view to co-starting a Pan-African Airline Group that in time will enhance mutual growth potential between the two carriers.

• For a complete travel guide on Magical Kenya, Where Safari was Born, go to VisitKenya.com

– Kenya Airways (KQ) and South Africa Airways (SAA) have signed a memorandum of cooperation whose long-term objective is to form a Pan African airline.

– At this initial stage, it is not a merger but a partnership that seeks to re-organise KQ and SAA assets into an ecosystem that will make the South African and Kenyan aviation sector more competitive.

This cooperation aligns with KQ’s core purpose, Contributing to the sustainable development of Africa. will be based on mutual benefits. These include strategic positioning in global aviation, diversifying earning streams, and reinforcing regional partnership in Africa through diplomatic and commercial relations. This will see an increase in passenger traffic, cargo opportunities, and general trade by taking advantage of strengths in South Africa, Kenya, and Africa.

Mr. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the partnership’s significance in turning around the fortunes of both KQ and SAA. The future of aviation and its long-term sustenance is hinged on cooperation. KQ and SAA collaboration will enhance customer benefits by availing a larger combined passenger and Cargo network, fostering the exchange of expertise, innovation, best practice, and adopting home-grown organic solutions to technical and operational challenges.

KQ remains committed to its financial turnaround strategy. The pursuit of partnerships is one of the core strategic pillars that shall transform the airline by ensuring its financial viability while offering world class services in Africa and the world.

SAA’s Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo noted that “This cooperation, which includes demand recovery and other cost containment strategies, will aid recovery of both carriers in an increasingly competitive African airline environment. It will also enhance related Kenya and South Africa tourism circuits, which sectors account for significant portions of respective country growth domestic product, benefiting from at least two attractive hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi and possibly Cape Town. KQ and SAA, as iconic airline brands of Africa’s biggest and vibrant economies, in East Africa and Southern Africa respectively, are at the precipice of what could be Africa’s formidable Pan African airline.’’

The respective Kenyan and South African governments recognise KQ and SAA as strategic national assets. They are committed to providing an operating environment that will allow for commercial agility and flexibility, shared access to domestic and international markets for the carriers’ mutual benefit.

Kgokolo adds that collaboration will also assist both airlines in the current and post-pandemic business and travel environment. This he says involves, joint recovery strategies and other cost containment strategies that will aid recovery of both carriers in an increasing competitive African airline environment. This agreement does not offer an exclusivity that precludes either of the airlines from pursuing commercial co-operation with other carriers within the current route network strategy.

As a key driver of economic growth, the aviation sector enables quick movement of passengers and cargo, leading to increased economic activity, generating direct and indirect employment. The recognition of this significance to economic development is the impetus behind the cooperation. This cooperation also seeks to address the significant contraction witnessed in the history of the air transport market in the wake of COVID-19. The African air transport market is estimated to be 50% of 2019 (pre-COVID-19), and the situation is expected to last for at least three years.

About Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline currently flying to 46 destinations worldwide, 34 of which are in Africa. It continues to modernize its fleet with its 32 aircraft being some of the youngest in Africa. This includes its flagship B787 Dreamliner aircraft. The on-board service is renowned and the lie-flat business class seat on the wide-body aircraft is consistently voted among the world’s top 10. Kenya Airways takes pride for being in the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub at the new ultra -modern Terminal 1A at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

• For a complete travel guide on Magical Kenya, Where Safari was Born, go to VisitKenya.com

About South Africa Airways
South Africa Airways (SAA) began operations on 1 February 1934. SAA, is a leading carrier in Africa, serving regional destinations between Johannesburg and five African capitals – Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, and Maputo and 1 domestic route between Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical (SAAT), a world class maintenance facility and Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA. SAAT has particularly been successful in the delivery of high quality maintenance services such as; major airframe checks; engine overhaul; mechanical components; avionics and line maintenance. From our first flight in 1934, SAA have welcomed the world to South Africa by showing off the warm generous heart of the country. The airline has more than 80 years of excellence and innovation to draw on.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From Kenya to Cape Town with Tuk Tuks for Rangers

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From Kenya to Cape Town with Tuk Tuks for Rangers - VISITKENYA.com - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, September 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Africa is bleeding without its tourists. The impact of 18 months of lockdown has been devastating. Revenue from tourism is central to the conservation of some of the planet’s most important habitats and wildlife; without it, many of these are in trouble. Poaching, bushmeat, illegal logging and the exploitation of natural resources have all risen dramatically. Those charged with preventing this, wildlife rangers, have seen an increase in their workload, despite many having their funding and salaries slashed. Rangers need help.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

With this in mind, Jasper, Josh, Ivo and Robbie, four conservation minded adventurers living in Kenya, decided to embark on a daring and bone rattling expedition to raise both awareness and money for rangers on the frontline – by driving from Kenya to Cape Town in Tuk Tuks!

The Tuk South team is in the process of transforming its two 8HP Piaggio Tuk Tuks into machines capable of surviving 7000 kms of famously bumpy roads. Installing everything from skid plates and roll cages to solar panels and fold out kitchens (the progress of which you can follow online), their Tuk Tuk’s safari capabilities are slowly being realised.

As they journey from the equator to the southernmost tip of Africa, they will be crossing nearly 35⁰ of latitude and travelling through 7 countries, elephants, jungles, mountains, savanna and the ever hospitable Kalahari desert. The thrills and spills of their journey will be shared on social media as they go. Tuk South has over 155,000 followers on TikTok, clocking up an impressive 15 million views, with many of their followers sharing their passion for sustainability, adventure and conservation. They will be putting their video-making skills to good use – visiting many conservancies, parks and reserves on the way down and telling their ranger’s stories. These stories will form the backbone of a documentary they aim to make on Covids impact on conservation (trailer below). Their content will also cover a healthy dose of adventure and the stories of the grassroot sustainability projects, conservation initiatives and community projects they search out along the way.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News