Ajabu Africa News

PHOTO:

Ghana President John Dramani Mahama when he arrived at Maasai Mara Game Reserve on August 29, 2016 after TICAD conference in Nairobi. PHOTO | COURTESY

By:

GEORGE SAYAGIE

Posted:

Aug,29-2016 16:39:08

Maasai Mara Game reserve is expected to enjoy a spillover of Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) held in Nairobi as delegates troop to the reserve to witness the spectacular wildebeest migration.

Majority of the delegates at the conference including heads of States opted to head to the game reserve to have a taste of the tourism site.

By Monday afternoon, security within and outside the game reserve had been heightened as Hotels and camps started receiving the visitors from the Ticad conference.

Other delegates are expected to fly to the tourism hub on Tuesday.

Ahead of the pack was Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama who flew to the Mara and was booked for the next two days.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, Narok governor Samuel Ole Tunai and county Tourism Executive member Lena Munge welcomed the head of State.

Speaking to the Nation on phone from the reserve, governor Tunai said part of the over 20 heads of State in attendance of the conference are expected to tour the Mara.

The governor however, said they were yet to receive confirmation of their visits.

Mr Tunai said the visit by the Ghanaian president was a boost for the reserve as the ongoing wildebeest Migration has attracted thousands of tourists both local and international.

Mr Tunai expressed optimism saying that his presence raised Kenya’s image as a tourist destination and specifically boosted the profile of the Mara reserve.

"The visit will put Kenya on the global map and therefore increases the urge for frequent visits," said Mr Tunai, adding that the delegates in the Ticad event was a boost to hoteliers in terms of bookings and accommodation.

The Japanese delegation, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, that includes executives of about 100 top firms that took part in the Nairobi conference are being expected at hotel Kempinsiki at Motorogi conservancy in the Mara.

"We are yet to confirm the PM’s tour, but everything is in place at the hotel," said Maasai Mara chief warden Moses Ole Kuyioni.

Tourism is one of the sectors expected to benefit greatly from the international conference, which is estimated to bring in some money after bad publicity due to insecurity.

Source:

Nation