Eldoret Hosts UN Tourism Week as Kenya Bets on AI to Grow New Tourism Markets
The event has brought together national and county governments, tourism investors, technology companies, innovators, scholars, conservationists and members of the public.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Eldoret will host this year’s UN Tourism Week as Kenya moves to diversify its tourism offering beyond traditional coastal and wildlife destinations.
The week-long event runs from Monday, September 21, to Sunday, September 27, at the University of Eldoret, with artificial intelligence and digital technology at the centre of activities.
Organisers say the programme will showcase digital solutions, start-ups and other technologies that can help destinations, tourism businesses and communities reach new markets.
The event has brought together national and county governments, tourism investors, technology companies, innovators, scholars, conservationists and members of the public.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the county has lined up participatory activities for visitors.
“We have lined up many interesting activities to not only see but to actively participate in. We invite everyone to visit Eldoret and the greater North Rift to sample the glory of the true home of champions,” Bitok said.
A key focus will be training tourism businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, youth and community-based tourism enterprises, on the use of digital technology and AI.
According to the programme, participants will explore the use of AI and digital tools in destination marketing, content creation, customer engagement, business development and market intelligence.
The week will also promote North Rift tourism through road trips and a destination caravan that will take visitors to attraction sites and introduce them to local products and communities.
Other activities include hot-air balloon rides, sports, cultural experiences, entertainment venues, and exhibitions featuring tourism products, innovations and creative work. Environmental activities, including tree-growing and clean-up exercises, will also be held to promote sustainable tourism.
The event comes as Kenya seeks to broaden the range of destinations and experiences it promotes to international tourists, with the North Rift positioned as part of that expansion.
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