The Kenyan tourism sector received a huge boost from China on Saturday, January 11, after the Asian nation lifted a three-year ban on the group travel program offering its tourists cheaper options to fly out.
In total, 20 countries were selected to benefit from group travelers flying from China to visit different parts of the world.
The first plane to Kenya under the program arrived on Saturday, February 11. The flight was carrying 205 passengers of which 40 had traveled as a group.
The plane left the City of Guangzhou, China, and arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
That was the first group to travel from China in three years after the country a ban it had imposed on the program in 2020 because of the pandemic.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, while welcoming the flight, noted that the move will help Kenya recover economically.
“It is exciting for us as a country because we are now able to resume full connectivity with one of our growing source markets for international tourist arrivals,” he remarked.
Similarly, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Chirchir lauded the move.
“Kenya is an all-year-round destination for diverse experiences to the traveler: beach, adventure, wellness, and hiking,” he touted the country as a tourist destination.
Other notable countries that will benefit from the China group travels include; Thailand, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Russia and New Zealand.
The United Nations tourism agency congratulated China and remarked that the lifting of pandemic travel restrictions in China represents a significant step in helping global tourism recover.
What is Group Travel and Its Benefits
Group travel is when individuals pre-book a multi-day trip and meet other travelers who booked the same trip.
The group then travels together to their booked tourist destinations hence saving costs
Group booking helps get amazing flight deals to your destination making it the most affordable means to tour different destinations in the world.
Also traveling as a group makes it possible to bargain for better deals in hotels and tourist sites.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
