Kenya explores new incentives to lure Chinese tourists

This is the painful moment a zebra gets kicked right in the face by his female mate. The photo is taken by Justin Bowen in Kenya on Nov 29, 2012. [Photo/IC]

NAIROBI - The Kenyan government is exploring a raft of incentives to encourage Chinese tourists to visit the country's wildlife sanctuaries and other scenic attractions, a senior wildlife official said Thursday.

William Kiprono, Acting Director General with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) revealed that stakeholders in the tourism industry have intensified efforts to woo visitors from China.

"The entire tourism value chain from tour operators, airlines, hotels and game parks will be part of the efforts to entice more Chinese visitors in the country," Kiprono told reporters in Nairobi.

Kenya's rich wildlife heritage contributes 70 percent of the tourism earnings in the country. The iconic species like elephants, rhinos and the big cats are popular among tourists from the west and emerging markets in Asia and the gulf region.

Kiprono said tourism stakeholders have considered waiving entry fees to encourage Chinese tourists to visit national parks.

"We have also tightened security in the game parks in the light of recent terrorist attack in the country. Armed rangers are patrolling all parks to ensure tourists are safe," Kiprono told Xinhua.

Kenyan tourism stakeholders also intend to develop promotional materials in mandarin to expose the country's scenic attractions in the Chinese market.

Kiprono revealed that several hotels have already developed brochures in mandarin to enhance communication with Chinese clients.

"Prominent individuals from China have visited our landmarks like Nairobi National Park, Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park. They can help promote these attractions to the wider society, " said Kiprono.

Kiprono will lead a delegation of government officials to China from April 21 to 30. During their visit, the officials will meet their counterparts at the Chinese Forestry Administration to discuss key areas of collaboration.