Kenya says it is expanding its tourism experiences and strengthening support for international travel advisors and tour operators following the recent Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), the largest in the event’s history.
The 16th edition brought together more than 10,000 delegates from over 40 countries, 450 exhibitors and more than 250 international hosted buyers, including two from Canada and 23 from the U.S.
For Canadian travel advisors and tour operators, several developments are worth outlining:
New opportunities for trade partners: KTB has outlined a four-tier trade engagement framework recognizing travel professionals who actively promote and sell Kenya. The program – Magical Kenya, Travel Specialist Program – includes progression from Certified Specialist to Active Seller, Kenya Ambassador and Growth Partner, with proposed benefits including familiarization trips, incentives and cooperative marketing support.
More Kenya experiences to sell: KTB introduced 14 additions to its Magical Kenya Signature Experiences collection, bringing the portfolio to 75 curated experiences for 2026–2028. The new offerings give travel advisors fresh ways to sell Kenya beyond the traditional safari, including:
Walk and sleep under the stars in the Maasai Mara: Kicheche Safari Camps’ five-night Walking Wilderness Safari combines game drives, guided walks through private conservancies and an overnight fly-camping adventure.
Discover Mombasa through its food: <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.africanfoodtrail.com%2Fbook-online&data=05%7C02%7Cbparkinson%40travelmarketreport.ca%7Cbe90cd4526bd4276d9c408df3065c34f%7C35fd7b1f0b924049a2acf94ec931cd65%7C0%7C0%7C639282887509992567%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C60000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p1qSVxvr2CSFrsU6muKhrm3Ke%2FpiXwUqRNFrEjwG5Ws%3D&reserved=0″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>African Food Trail takes visitors through the city’s markets, historic streets and Swahili culinary traditions on a guided street-food experience.
Go behind the scenes of wildlife conservation: Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s Immersive Conservation Experience offers hands-on insights into wildlife conservation and endangered-species protection.
Hike a volcano, then head to the spa: Enashipai Resort & Spa combines a guided ascent of Mount Longonot in the Great Rift Valley with a post-hike wellness treatment.
Give children their own safari adventure: Seringet Mara Camp’s Little Warrior Experience introduces younger travelers to wildlife tracking, Maasai traditions, beading and junior warrior activities.
Run with Kenya’s champions: Runners Paradise Safaris offers a running-focused journey through Kenya, including Iten, the country’s celebrated distance-running hub.
Speaking at MKTE, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano said:
“We are no longer competing only on wildlife and beach tourism. Our growing profile in MICE, sports tourism, adventure, culture, wellness and business travel is opening new markets d new reasons to visit Kenya.”
