Exhibitors from India, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda and Kenya are set to participate in the largest domestic tourism fair, Holidays ‘06. It opens next Wednesday at Sarit Centre Nairobi and concludes on April 2, according to the Nation newspaper.

The fair, supported by Nivea Sun, Qatar Airways and Going Out Guide, is usually used by bargain hunters seeking holiday specials both at home and abroad. First held in 1984, the free-entry Sarit Centre Holidays Fair attracts over 15,000 visitors.

“In that time, the event has generated sales worth hundreds of millions of shillings and assisted Coast hotels and wildlife park lodges to boost traffic during the Easter holidays and the low season thereafter,” said Sarit public affairs co-ordinator Peter Moll.

The Sarit Centre Tourism Awards of Excellence 2005/2006 which close on 31 July will be launched during the event.

There are five categories - hospitality and accommodation, eco-tourism and culture, travel and tours and individual and corporate. On top, there is an overall award.

Winners of the Tourism Awards will be announced at a Gala Night to be held during Sarit Centre’s Getaway ‘06 Tourism Fair from 3-5 November 2006.

Past winners of the award that was inaugurated in 2004 include The Carnivore, Turtle Bay Beach Club, Village Market, Alan Dixon and Southern Cross Safaris.
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