Paris Games to spotlight Kenya's tourism potential

The tourism sector has described the Paris Olympics as yet another opportunity to position Kenya’s destination brand.

Principal Secretary for Tourism John Ololtuaa says the role of sports personalities as national icons and global ambassadors is key to showcasing the destinations potential for tourism and sports during the games.

While rallying Kenyans to cheer on the Kenyan team representing Kenya in the Paris Olympics scheduled for July 26-August 11, the PS also noted that the Olympics was a timely chance for the country to highlight its long-standing reputation for sporting and athletic prowess, cementing Kenya's status as the undisputed ‘Home of Champions.’

PS Ololtuaa further stated that the Paris Olympics provides Kenya with a great opportunity to showcase the nation's beauty, heritage, and vibrance to a global audience. He said that the exposure from the Olympics comes at an opportune time to enhance the image of the country's tourism sector.

"Besides celebrating the prowess of our athletes, the Olympics offers a prime opportunity for us to share Kenya’s vibrant culture and heritage with the world. As we wish our Olympians success in their various disciplines, we are confident their excellence will draw positive attention to our great nation," added Ololtuaa.

Principal Secretary for Sports Eng. Peter Tum expressed optimism that Kenyan athletes will bag numerous gold medals, noting that comprehensive training and international exposure have sufficiently prepared them.

Echoing this sentiment, National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Paul Tergat said: "As Kenyans, we must rally as much as possible to support and cheer our team to bring glory to our nation in Paris.”

“To our sportsmen and women, you are our icons and global ambassadors - we wish you all the best and hope you return as heroes of the nation,” Tergat remarked.

The Olympics come during Kenya's peak tourism season that traditionally runs from June through October, whose key highlights include the world-famous wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara and the humpback whale migration in Watamu — both spectacles often dubbed the “Twin Migration”.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is poised to rally more tourists at the Olympics to experience the splendor of the peak season.

The board further aims to spotlight the country's rich cultural heritage and wide range of attractions to the global community of visitors expected at the sporting event.

Kenya will arrive at the Olympics as the most decorated Olympic nation in Africa, with over 100 medals under its belt.

At least 10,500 athletes from more than 200 countries will compete in 32 sports, with Kenya banking on its host of star athletes to cement its reputation as a powerhouse destination for sports tourism.

The Paris Games are expected to attract about 11.3 million visitors to Paris during the Olympics, with only 1.5 million of those being foreign tourists.