The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) on Monday hosted travel agents in a cocktail event sponsored by the South African Tourism (SAT).
SAT Regional Trade Relations Manager Ms Bontle Madiba said that they were leveraging on the partnership with KATA to ensure that more Kenyans visit South Africa.
“Our target is to grow the number of Kenyan visitors to South Africa and that is why we are in partnership with KATA,” she said.
She further pointed out that her country is out to grow the Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition (MICE) type of tourism and further called upon Kenyans to travel and enjoy South Africa and her facilities.
She stated that the South African National Convention Bureau (SANBC) is able to support groups of 100 and above that are travelling into South Africa for MICE purposes.
Also speaking at the event, KATA Board Chairman Mr Mohammed Wanyoike thanked the South African Government for reviewing the visa application process.
He acknowledged the improvement in the process noting that unlike in the past when it took longer, the process is now shorter and the visa issued is for a longer period.
Recent statistics indicate that the number of Kenyans visiting South Africa is rising with about 10, 000 visitors travelling into the country, translating to 7.9 per cent increase.
KATA Chief Executive Officer Mr Nicanor Sabula thanked SAT for their continued support of KATA events.
The association, he further said, will be glad to host South Africa’s Minister for Tourism Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane and her delegation in future.
