•KICC will be marketing the country as a business and conference destination through innovative exhibition opportunities.
•It has partnered with both public and private sectors to support the initiative, which also targets to showcase Kenya’s products in the tourism, hotel and travel industry.
Image: /FILE
Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is participating at the Dubois Pelin and Associates (DPA) gift suite, a few days prior to the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars).
DPA is the worlds leading global brand execution platform.
Prior to joining the government, KICC chief executive Nana Gecaga had partnered with DPA in the suites.
Nana was well known locally and globally for marketing Kenya through these suites.
KICC will be marketing the country as a business and conference destination through innovative exhibition opportunities.
Leveraging her vast international networks and previous experience, the country is set to benefit from the event.
KICC has partnered with both public and private sectors to support the initiative, which also targets to showcase Kenya’s products in the tourism, hotel, and travel industry.
“The corporation is extremely honoured to have supportive partners,” Gecaga said in a statement.
The initiative targets to have all-inclusive participation to push the country as not only a premier tourism destination but a business, conference, film, sports heritage, and culture destination.
“We also can't forget about the natural talent and individual crafts our people hold that also needs to be given international platforms for them to showcase,” she said.
KICC will represent a number of ministries among them tourism and wildlife (market Kenya as tourism destination), Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs (market Kenya as a film, technology and innovation hub destination), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (work with the consulate in LA to help be a point of contact for marketing Kenya).
Private sector brands who have signed up to have KICC market and promote them on their behalf include Sarova Hotels, Label Saba retail company (accessories), Out of Africa (food and beverage) among others.
The concept of the "gifting suite" dates back to the 1990s, created to service presenters and performers backstage at award shows.
Most gifting suites take place in Hollywood, during award weeks.
DPA’s process is unique and innovative. They customise solutions to their clients' needs and deliver prestige and glamour while increasing business performance and value.
The world-famous “DPA Gift Suite” is a creation of their highly sophisticated approach of branding and value chain.
As a bridge between emerging markets and industrialised markets, this innovative brand execution platform has delivered strong results for the last 17 years.
“This is why, KICC through its CEO found it extremely necessary to revive the initiative by bringing on board more Kenyan brands to push the Kenyan delegate experience,” the state agency said.
KICC business is to host and attend exhibitions.
“The last two years, the pandemic has taught us to think smart and look for new innovative and smart ways we can benefit as a country,” said Gecaga.
The US remains Kenya’s leading source of international tourists.
Last year, the country received a total of 136,981 international visitors from the US, Tourism Research Institute data shows.
KICC has embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign to bring major international conferences home, riding on the re-opening of global business travel that had been dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic
Kenya will this year host the World Travel Awards (Africa and Indian Ocean Gala).
The event that will come in mid-year is considered the “Oscars of the travel industry”.
It will be coming to Kenya for a second time after the 2013 event held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.