KTB signs Kipchoge Magical Kenya destination ambassador
By Noel Wandera, July 30, 2020
MARKET: Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has engaged sports legend Eliud Kipchoge, who is the World Marathon record holder and Olympic champion as magical Kenya destination ambassador, signalling its intention to diversify the destination products to include sports tourism.
The engagement started this month and seeks to tap into Kipchoge’s international appeal to promote Kenya as a preferred tourism destination both locally, regionally and internationally through various campaigns.
Currently, the country is heavily reliant on beach and safari tourism and, to a small extent cultural tourism, an inclination Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has heavily criticised, with a call to KTB to undertake more product diversification.
“Being Kenyan is a very beautiful thing. I am passionate and love my country dearly and it is an honour to be working with KTB on projects geared towards propelling Kenya as a preferred tourist destination globally.
Foreign visitors
Kenya has a lot to offer, and I urge local and foreign visitors to explore and experience what the country has to offer” said Kipchoge.
Betty Radier, KTB chief executive said that the board is pleased to have Kipchoge committed to promoting destination Kenya, adding that he was, among other marathoners, Kenya’s greatest asset and have put the destination on the global map.
She said Kenya is well known as the home of champions, hence sports forms part of the board’s strategy to popularise the country’s tourism offering.