Kenya’s tourism sector has received a major boost with the arrival of the first chartered flight from Romania.
The flight operated by Tarom Air and organized by Kenyan Tour Company, private Safaris East Africa landed at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa.
The flight is the first of nine rotations, which commence in March to August 2021.
Onboard the flight was 116 travellers drawn from Romania who are expected to tour and explore different destinations within the country.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Dr. Betty Radier said that the flight provided a ray of hope for the industry which had been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also noted that Eastern Europe was a key market that Kenya was banking on for the revival of the tourism sector, adding that Eastern Europe is showing great potential as a source market for tourists due to increased relations between Kenya and countries in the region.
Dr. Radier said the flight signals the growing confidence in the destination by tourists with regards to preparedness against COVID-19 which has enhanced traveller confidence.
As a key segment of the tourism industry, KTB CEO expressed the commitment to fast-track marketing strategies that have kept the destination alive during the prolonged period of the pandemic that has slowed down travel.
The charter business has been a catalyst for Kenya’s tourism business at the coast.
At the close of 2019/2020 winter season, eight charters were feeding into the coastal market.
