Kenya is seeking to cement its position for authentic safari and experiences by identifying facilities that deliver unique, authentic Kenyan travel experiences.
Kenya Tourism Board has kick started a collaboration with the tourism trade organizations toward this front by packaging the Magical Kenya Signature experiences (MKSE).
Through the MKSE Program, which is in its second phase, facilities and organizations are required to provide value addition to their showcases through exceptional travel experiences to the traveler.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, last year awarded 15 inaugural MKSE facilities that met the required criteria of innovativeness and creativity. The awards marked the beginning of a journey to deliver diverse tourism experiences.
The second phase of recognition is targeting over 30 facilities with KTB CEO Dr. Betty Radier saying the program is aimed at meeting the expectation of the current traveler who is keener on experiential tours than ever before.
“Currently, MKSE audits are ongoing for the experiences that will be enlisted into the MKSE 2021-2022 Collection. We are still receiving applications and for those who still haven’t applied, every experience has a chance to be part of this milestone” said Dr Radier
To be part of the Program, experience owners are required to fill out a pre-qualification Quiz, which has a set of 10 questions. The next stage involves filling out an application form followed by the desk and on-site audits. Those that meet the requirements are then enlisted into the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences (MKSE) Collection and recognized at a gala event.
Enlisted companies will have their products and experiences marketed for the local and international traveler through fam trips, exhibitions, collaborations, events, training thereby providing extra visibility while driving conversion for the respective companies
Dr. Radier noted that Kenya has to curve her niche as a competitive destination with rich and diverse experiences across the country, available throughout the year and fit for different travel segments
“As the world opens up for travel once again after the Covid-19 pandemic, there are emerging trends that operators within the sector will need to be aware of and incorporate in their business strategy and offering. Some of these trends include the search for authentic & immersive local travel experiences, slow travel, outdoor experiences to connect with nature, and the need to contribute to conservation and to communities in the destinations where they visit” added Dr Radier
For one to get started, send an email to signatureexperiences@ktb.go.ke and the KTB experience Team will guide you on the next steps in becoming a member of the Kenya Signature Collection. The Program adds an extra layer of Magic to the Kenyan travel experiences.
