American news magazine and news website Time Magazine has ranked Kenya's capital, Nairobi among worlds 50 greatest places of 2022.
In the coveted list of “50 extraordinary destinations to explore” released on Wednesday, Nairobi was named a 'Cultural metropolis'. This means the city is spectacularly diverse, offering variation and entertainment in equal measure.
To compile the list of the World’s Greatest Places, Time solicited nominations of places from their international network of correspondents and contributors, with a special eye toward those places offering new and exciting experiences.
Various unique features put Nairobi on the spotlight as a great destination for expatriates and tourists to visit this year.
SAFARI CAPITAL
Kenya, is often referred to as the safari capital of the world, something Time Magazine has reaffirmed in its list.
Nairobi is the only city that features a national wildlife park within its boundaries, Nairobi Safari excursions are popular making the city affectionately dubbed the Safari capital of the world.
Nairobi is a natural safari starting point for Kenya safaris to experience a rich diversity of nature and wildlife .
"It is also one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. And although tourists may have previously opted to make a beeline into the bush, today Nairobi is offering visitors plenty of reasons to keep inside the capital," Time Magazine said in its article.
ART
Art tourism was very popular from 2016 and has gained ground in a lot of countries.
Experts say pairing arts and culture with tourism can lead to economic development by bringing visitors to the area, while also contributing to community wellbeing by invigorating local areas through creative practice.
Art tourism can be defined broadly as any activity that involves travel to see art and would include those people who travel very specifically to see art somewhere else as well as among other activities during tours, holidays or other trips away from home.
The desire to see, experience and know art is mostly created in the art world rather than the tourism industry, although of course, they blur into one another
In its article, Time Magazine noted that the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) is a potential tourist attraction.
The institute just celebrated its opening with an exhibit showcasing Nairobian artist Sane Wadu.
"Last year, renowned fashion designer Anna Trzebinski converted her home into Eden Nairobi, a hub for creatives that doubles as a luxury hotel," the article read.
HILTON REOPENING
Reopening of Hilton Hotel is also expected to put Nairobi on the map for tourists and travellers.
Nairobi’s iconic more than a half-century old Hilton Hotel will close its doors indefinitely in December due to many reasons.
The hotel, which is owned 40.57 percent by the government, has pointed to other factors beyond Covid-19 for the planned closure after more than 50 years of operation from its location at the heart of the central business district.
The brand will open an all-new property towards the end of the year: Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton, something Time Magazine says is a must see.
FOOD DIVERSITY
Kenya's food scene is heating up with a synthesis of global inspiration.
Editors of Time Magazine give an example of Cultiva Farm Kenya where Ecuadorian restaurateur Ariel Moscardi renders East African ingredients and flavors with South American techniques.
The restaurant has a constantly-changing menu serveing a combination of international dishes including Asian.
Homemade loaves of bread and pastries made from sourdough is another big client-puller apart from the wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
The restaurant itself has a rustic, partly outdoor ambience with a greenhouse design, lots of potted plants, and quirky hand-washing sinks balanced on bicycles.
There are a number of restaurants with mixed menus including INTI - A Nikkei Experience, Abyssinia Restaurant among others.
EXPRESSWAY
The magazine highlights the brand-new $650 million ( Sh76.83 billion ) Nairobi Expressway as a long overdue reprieve from congestion in the centre of the city.
"Residents and visitors can access Nairobi more easily and quickly than ever before."
The expressway stretches 27 kilometres through the heart of Nairobi, connecting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi's Central Business District, the National Museum and the Presidential Palace.
The expressway is already creating direct employment opportunities for Nairobi's workers, with employees at the state-of-the-art expressway monitoring centre welcoming the opportunity to learn new technologies and software that keep the road running smoothly.
SUPPORT
Finally, Time Magazine noted that travellers can witness and support the various charity activities in Nairobi that are helping vulnerable city dwellers cope.
It cites a growing number of luxury outfitters which are funneling some of their capital back into local neighborhoods in need.
An example is Micato Safaris, which opened the Harambee Community Centre in Mukuru that provided resources and education to help ensure that the recent economic boom will be felt more equitably.
Some other notable places on Times's list include; Ras Al Khaimah, UAEPark City, Galápagos Islands, Dolni Morava, Czech Republic, Seoul, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Doha, Qatar.
In the United States, Time recommended the hip West Coast centers of Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, the Florida coastal cool of Miami, and Michigan's "Comeback City" Detroit. The winter skiing destination Park City, Utah, got a nod.
