The China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) in partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), last week conducted one-day training dubbed “China ready training programme” for Kenya’s tourism stakeholders.
The training was aimed at educating the Stakeholders and the general travel trade sector on the latest updates and developments as well as the dynamics of the Chinese market in response to the rapid expansion and growth of China's outbound tourism.
During the workshop, stakeholders were trained on Chinese culture so that they are prepared to welcome and cater to Chinese tourists in accordance with the Chinese customs, values, and demands,
Speaking during the workshop held at Fairmont Norfolk Hotel, KTB Ag. CEO Jacinta Nzioka – Mbithi said Kenya was committed towards understanding and meeting the needs of Chinese tourists and therefore the training was timely to facilitate the adaptation of tourism related products and services in Kenya to suit their needs.
“We want to bring in more Chinese to visit Kenya and beginning with today’s forum, we will continue to hold a series of studies and awareness to know more about the traveling Chinese — their interests, likes and travel dynamics so that we are able to improve Kenya’s penetration of the China market by bridging the existing knowledge gaps among the Kenyan travel trade.” She said.
The training was also meant to increase the number of Kenyan tourism stakeholders certified as China Ready so as to make the destination more appealing to Chinese consumers.
Speakers from COTRI discussed the new trends and changes in China's outbound tourism, market demands and future developments.
The training brought together a total of 46 tourism stakeholders drawn from Hotels, Airlines, Tour Operators, JKIA taxi, Shopping Malls and Kenya government agencies including Department of Immigration, KICC, Utalii College, Ministry of Tourism, and National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi County and Kenya Airports Authority.
COTRI is the world's leading independent research institute for training, quality assessment, research and consulting on the Chinese outbound tourism market.