Kenya has witnessed the inaugural flight by Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the national carrier for the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Royal Air Maroc plane landed at JKIA at 8:30am on Thursday.
The direct flight is poised to open up the Maghreb region to Kenya, and the wider East Africa, marking the airline to offer this connection between the two regions. The airline will fly two times per week to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from Mohammed V International Airport, in Casablanca.
KTB Ag CEO Jacinta Nzioka–Mbithi led the Kenyan team to welcome the delegation from Morocco which included RAM officials, tour operators and media from the North African country. They are in the country to have a first-hand experience of Kenya’s tourism attractions and offerings.
Speaking during the welcoming ceremony at JKIA, Nzioka –Mbithi said; “This is indeed a significant moment for us as we move forward to strengthen ties between Kenya and Morocco. Connectivity is, after all, the heart of tourism, and I am sure that the direct flights between Nairobi and Casablanca will open up the market, stimulate travel and improve tourist arrivals and receipts as well as trade between us.”
“I believe that Moroccan tourists will appreciate what Kenya has to offer including our natural resources, wildlife Safaris and many more. Moreover, the warm, sunny weather year-round will make Moroccan tourists feel truly at home in our multi-cultural country,” she added.
She further added, “Morocco is an important emerging market for us, and naturally, we wish to strengthen our efforts to engage by showcasing Kenya as a safe and desirable destination for visitors. Royal Air Maroc entry to Kenya demonstrates their confidence in our tourism industry despite difficulties in the recent past.”
KTB will work closely with the trade in Morocco to enable them to sell Kenya in their market as part of growing tourist numbers from across Africa.
Kenya has rolled out various initiatives to support the tourism sector including the Charter Incentive Programme, waiver of visa fees for children under 16 and reduction of park fees among others.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were presented with gifts and souvenirs, while enjoying the melodic sounds of cultural dance troupes.