Kenya’s national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has entered into a partnership with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to promote Kenya as a tourist destination internationally and locally
The partnership involves branding of two KQ aircrafts, a Dreamliner and an Embraer with images of Kenya’s most iconic species creating visibility as a must visit destination across the airline’s network of 41 destinations.
The imagery features are of the last two northern white rhinos in the world at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the elephant Tuskers and lions from Amboseli National Park and the Tsavo National Park.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary (CS) Najib Balala said the collaboration would build a strong brand association between Magical Kenya and Kenya Airways and thus increase the destination’s appeal to more consumers in all the market segments.
“Aviation is a critical pillar of our tourism industry and therefore partnerships such as this one are important to ensure that we continue to arouse the interest of travellers into the destination. It is especially important at this point in time as we work towards recovering tourism fully and attracting international visitors to Magical Kenya,” said Balala
Allan Kilavuka, Chief Executive Officer Kenya Airways said, the airline was committed to raising awareness of Kenya’s magical treasures to maximize the benefits of air transport, and to support the sustainable development of Kenya’s thriving tourism economy.
The designs on the airplanes are hinged on the conservation themes in Kenya with the Dreamliner having the last two northern white rhinos in the world (Najin and Fatu) on one side.
Najin and Fatu live on Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. On the other side is Tim, the most famous and iconic elephant that lived in Amboseli National Park for over five decades.
“Najin and Fatu, as the last of their kind, represent the consequences of ignoring the importance of wildlife conservation. However, they also give a glimpse of hope – through the work we are doing with the BioRescue northern white rhino recovery programme, that we can turn things around if we act now,” said Ol Pejeta’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ken Kimani.
These images branded on the airplanes will help showcase Kenya’s diversity in wildlife, and the variety of places to visit.
