Polish agents give Kenya a thumbs up

More international tourists are expected in Kenya this year following the country’s endorsement by a group of Polish travel agents.

The 28 agents, who are in the country for a one-week familiarisation tour, described the country as safe and one of the best safari destinations in the world.

The agents also rated Kenya highly, owing to its beautiful beaches in the coast and abundant wildlife in the national parks and game reserves.

They were also impressed by the warm weather, culture, monuments and friendly people.

The travel agents, who were visiting Kenya for the first time, said they were glad the country was now safe for holidays following the 2014 terrorist attacks that caused a drop in the number of Polish tourist arrivals to 1,400 last year, down from 12,000 in the peak period of 2012.

Last Saturday, the travel agents visited Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge in Taita-Taveta County for game drives, a presentation on World War I battle fields and a night stay.

This week, the travel agents are expected to sample tourist facilities in Kwale and Mombasa counties.

NOW POSITIVE

Kenya’s image in Poland is now positive due to improved security, according to Mr Mateusz Maszkiewicz, the team leader. He said the negative effects of terror attacks had waned, adding that more Polish tourists were now interested in coming to the country for holidays.

Mr Maszkiewicz, who is also the head of Product at TUI Poland, supported the Kenya Tourist Board’s move to bring them in for the tour.

“The travel agents were captivated by Diani beach in Kwale County, which is one of the best beaches in the world,” he said.

“They were also attracted by wild animals when they toured Tsavo West National Park for game drives,” he added.

On Saturday, Mr Maszkiewicz told the Nation that TUI Poland had received requests from five tourist groups planning to come to Kenya for holiday soon.

The introduction of charter flights from Warsaw to Mombasa by Polish charter airline Small Planet two weeks ago, he said, would boost tourist arrivals.

“During the winter, we expect another charter airline Enterair to introduce flights from Warsaw and Katowice to Mombasa, to bring more holidaymakers to Kenya,” said Mr Maszkiewicz.

TUI product manager Kamil Piedrzycki, who represents Kenya in the Polish market, said Polish tourists preferred coming to Kenya for safari, visiting the villages to interact with locals and the beaches.

Last week, the board’s acting managing director Jacinta Nzioka, said they were in plans to market Kenya in Poland and the Czech Republic, to woo more visitors from Eastern Europe.