KTB ramps up tourism drive in EAC ahead of WRC safari rally

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has intensified efforts to tap into the growing motorsports enthusiasm in the East African region ahead of the WRC Safari Rally slated for March 20-23, 2025.

The push comes as a contingent of motorsports fans from Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda arrived in Naivasha on Wednesday, forming the vanguard of spectators from the region converging for the Safari Rally.

The touring fans, part of organized travel groups from the three countries, will be treated to the scenic route highlighting some of Kenya’s picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife as they make their way to Naivasha.

Isaac Njenga, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, who flagged off the Tanzanian fans in Dar es Salaam, said, “The WRC Safari Rally has been integral in reinforcing the appeal of Kenya and the East African region to the world”.

While thanking KTB for the initiative, the High Commissioner underscored events and sports as key drivers of visitation to destinations.

“Leveraging events such as motor sport is one of the ways to grow tourism numbers, and KTB should continue to tap into this initiative.

“We are committed to deepening collaboration with our neighbors to unlock the full potential of regional travel as well as integrate for both economic and tourism growth,” Njenga said.

This year, it is estimated that over 30,000 motorsports enthusiasts from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia will attend the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha, representing a threefold increase from last year.

June Chepkemei, CEO, KTB, said in a statement that the rally has over the years served as a powerful tool for regional travel, with the event’s growing popularity catalyzing increased interest in Kenya’s broader tourism offerings.

“The WRC Safari Rally has transformed into a premier platform for showcasing Kenya’s tourism prowess to both regional and global audiences. With this rising profile, we are seeking to leverage the excitement, passion, and energy of motorsports fans such that they become ambassadors for Magical Kenya,” Chepkemei stated.

“Our East African neighbors represent an important and high-potential source market, given their proximity and improving connectivity to Kenya. This targeted experiential marketing campaign is a strategic move that particularly allows us to tap into their growing appetite for travel and adventure.”

Chepkemei spoke of the EAC region’s growing significance as a source market for Kenya, which has demonstrated steady growth in visitor arrivals owing to increased regional integration that has facilitated easier cross-border travel – a key driver of intra-Africa tourism.

According to the 2024 Tourism Performance report, Uganda ranked second in visitor arrivals with 225,559 visitors while Tanzania was ranked third with 203,290.

Joseph Munyeti, Kenya Airways Regional Manager, disclosed that the national carrier has extended a 12 percent discount to all passengers travelling to Kenya for the safari rally.

“We are already seeing an increase of passenger booking through our promotion for this rally season”, disclosed the regional manager who also presented a ticket to the winner of a promotional campaign to increase visitation to Kenya during the rally the season.

Kenya Airways has four daily scheduled flights from Dar-es salaam , two daily flights out of Zanzibar and one daily out of Kilimanjaro enhancing ease of access to Kenyan by Tanzania through the air.

The bus flag off events also took place in Kenya’s high Commission of Uganda and Rwanda.

Last year, KTB hosted a group of motorsports fans from the region on a similar experiential tour, further cementing the Board’s commitment to priming more such activations to grow the region’s contribution to Kenya’s tourism.