10 Nov 2022
New Africa specialist sub-brand Alfred& by Kuoni puts emphasis on 'Hidden' Kenya as the destination bounces back towards pre-pandemic levels.
A new destination report by tailor-made holiday specialists Alfred& by Kuoni shows that Kenya's popularity continues to grow, post-pandemic, with the scope for experiences expanding beyond the Maasai Mara and The Great Migration.
In conjunction with the Kenya Tourism Board, the report showcases the wildlife, culture and beaches of the lesser-known parts of Kenya and reports that 'big trips' are back. Average booking values have increased by 20% from 2019 pre-pandemic levels and multi-generational travel is on the up, with more extended families booking bucket list trips. Over 25% of bookings are also now choosing to pair their Kenya safari with a beach stay in the same destination as awareness of resorts such as Diani and Watamu has grown.
“There's so much more to Kenya than a 'Big Five' safari. Geographically and culturally it's one of the most diverse countries in Africa with over 50 national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 44 indigenous tribes and more than 300 miles of unspoilt, and relatively tourist free, beach.” said Alfred& senior programme manager Dagmar Marrocco.
“Connecting our customers with the right people on the ground – local guides, wildlife experts and hotel hosts, is what we do at Alfred&. Experiences are woven into every holiday so that our guests return home richer and wiser. Our destination report goes beyond the obvious, highlighting lesser-known national parks, cultural and conservation projects and our favourite beach recommendations, that we can help our customers discover,” Dagmar added.
The diverse range of holidays to Kenya for both new and returning visitors is impressive. It's a bird-watchers paradise, home to rare wildlife protected by superb conservation projects, has fantastic hiking and mountaineering trails and is a delight for night sky enthusiasts and even coffee aficionados.
Supporting sustainable travel, conserving the country's natural environments and improving livelihoods is also something that the Kenya Tourism Board has in focus. Sarah Jackson representing the tourist board in the UK said,
“We are delighted to be showcasing the 'hidden' side of Magical Kenya, whilst we are a nation renowned as a top destination for wildlife the country has so much more to offer. Our new tourism strategy, launched by former Cabinet secretary Najib Balala in May this year, provided a road map for the sector and will shape the future of Kenya's tourism industry by providing a framework that details how to successfully develop sustainable tourism in Kenya. A key component of the new plan is to diversify away from the country's dependence on Safari and Beach tourism and highlight Kenya's adventure and cultural offerings.”
The Alfred& Kenya destinations report can be downloaded here. For more information about Alfred& by Kuoni visit www.alfredand.kuoni.co.uk
ENDS
About Alfred& by Kuoni:
Alfred& is a new Kuoni sub-brand which specialises in tailor-made holidays to Africa, India and Asia. The brand was developed to sit within the main Kuoni family but to feature the existing Kuoni destinations that have authentic experience at their core.
Alfred& believe that it's the people you meet on holiday, those who create and help deliver a unique experience, that are at the heart of a trip to these specially selected destinations. Named after, and paying homage to, the brands 'people focused' founder Alfred Kuoni, it connects guests to local guides, wildlife and conservation experts, hotel sommeliers, community chefs (and a multitude of others) to enrich their holiday and make it unique.
Featuring tailor-made holidays to Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Japan, India, The Philippines and China.
Originally launched on the eve of the Covid pandemic (Feb 2020) featuring Japan, it came out of hibernation in late 2021 and has grown to its current portfolio alongside long-haul travels recovery, with new destinations set to be added in time.
