Kenya eyes more Chinese tourists after Jack Ma's visit

A wildlife park in Kenya.[Photo/Xinhua]

Kenya's tourism marketers on Sunday promised to bring more Chinese tourists to the East African nation after a visit by Chinese business magnate Jack Ma.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) said travel agents have termed the visit by the billionaire a major boost and endorsement to their campaigns - that seek to woo Chinese travelers into Kenya.

KTB Chief Executive Officer Betty Radier said in a statement issued in Nairobi that China now listed among the top 10 tourist source market the country has potential for further growth.

Radier noted that KTB will invest more resources in strategic marketing initiatives aimed at attracting the high-end consumer segments.

"By end of April this year, we received 14,029 visitors from the country compared to 10,407 recorded in the same period last year, an increase of 34.8 percent," said Radier.

Last year, the market posted 47,860 arrivals up from 29,790 recorded in 2015, indicating a growth of 60.7 percent, she said.

Radier said family travel, resulting from the government's visa waiver for children under the age of 16, is among the factors contributing to the growth of the market.

Chinese billionaire Jack's visit coincided with the launch of mobile online training for travel agents in China rolled out by KTB to create top of mind destination awareness and spur interest for travel among the Chinese.

"As a result of his visit, I can assure you that our work of marketing Kenya has been made easier, interest to travel to Kenya has suddenly gone up and this is positive feedback," said Travel Service Bigeyes International co-founder Vivien Zhang.