Kenya launches online directory to promote tourism

Kenya's ministry of tourism, the World Bank and industry players on Monday launched an online directory that details the country's scenic beauty, tour operators and accommodation facilities.
The pioneering digital platform will be domiciled in the revamped magical Kenya website to enable local and foreign visitors to access information on diverse tourism products.
"A digital platform that reveals key attractions in the country will complement our strategy to improve our competitiveness and market Kenya as a preferred destination of choice across east Africa and beyond," Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie said in Nairobi.
Kandie said the government will scale up investment in digital platforms to market Kenya.
"The vital role of online presence in marketing tourism cannot be gainsaid. The new age tourists rely heavily on social media to access information on products available," Kandie told tourism stakeholders
She revealed the government will soon engage the international media to market Kenya as an ideal tourist destination, and counties in the country will utilize digital space to showcase tourist attraction sites.
Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said the online directory will help re-invent domestic tourism.
"Domestic tourism will benefit directly from the online platform. We are encouraging counties to list their facilities in the directory,"Ndegwa said, adding the government has intensified diversification of tourism products to cope with stiff competition in the region.