Tourism is a reason for most of human mobility in the modern world. The unprecedented societal changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic are dramatically affecting tourism. Travel restrictions, flight cancellations, and frequency reduction have significantly diminished the supply of both domestic and international services while demand continues to retract.
With the Millions of jobs that have been lost worldwide, it is clear that the industry must rethink its strategy to ensure that it sustains during the crisis and ensure a quick recovery period after such disruptions.
The current happenings indicate that it is no longer business as usual. Therefore, both the private and public stakeholders in the tourism sector have a duty to rethink critical measures to adapt to save the industry.
Here are the five proposed possible areas to explore in saving the tourism sector and running the business.
Domestic and Regional Tourism
This kind of market is worth investing in help cushion the industry due to its resilience and ability to assure and rebuild trust and confidence. As international tourism faces downward momentum due to the ban on international flights, it is high time we invested in domestic and regional tourism.
Digitizing of Resources
Kenya has a significant role in the international tourism sector, as it has been proven to be America’s tourist destination among other countries. For it to keep its name on the map, virtual events showcasing culture and heritage will be essential. Kenya is known for its Great Wild beast Migration among unique tourism events and culture. Leveraging on the digital platforms will play a key role in selling the sector across the globe, even after the pandemic.
Previously, the country has been participating in making the industry known across the globe by participating in Global travel trade exhibitions including MKTE in Nairobi, ITB Berlin, ITB Asia in Singapore, WTM London, WTM Africa in Cape Town, OTM in India, and USTOA, USA.
Also, through domestic campaigns themed “TembeaKenyaNaMimi” through TV, digital platforms, and radio. This significantly yielded fruits. During this period last year, Kenya’s travel and tourism revenue hit a healthy USD 1,610,342,854, with 4,955,800 bed nights sold.
People Matter
The tourism industry depends on people, and hence the need for the key players to rethink what sustainable tourism for Kenya and Africa is. In 2019 2,048,334 international visitors arrived in Kenya, 1,423.971 landed in Nairobi, and 128,222 in Mombasa. Twenty-nine thousand four hundred sixty-two visitors arrived at other airports, and 467,179 visitors arrived by land. These numbers can greatly improve after the pandemic if the right strategies are put in place.
Role of Data Analysts
During this period of the pandemic, it is required that investors and critical players rely on data-driven ideas in a bid to come up with informed decisions. One of the main advantages being one will be able to work on new opportunities and be more creative during the recovery stages.
Considering Alliances
Alliances should be mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive sustainable value, growth, and impact for the destination. During such hardships, partnering with other stakeholders will go a long way. It is high time the hotels and other players came together and shared their thoughts. The current lockdown period can be used to establish or reinforce good collaborative practices and strategies.
Americans love to travel to Kenya since the US remains the largest western tourism source country for this East African Country, followed by the UK, India, China, Germany, France, and Italy.
Could you be willing to discuss partnership collaborations with Kenya2UHub? Don’t hesitate, talk to us through our email: info@kenya2uhub.com or whatsapp+254 742 343908.
