The Kenya Tourism Board has hosted six influential product decision makers on a destination familiarisation trip to highlight the country’s range of product offering as a tourism destination.

The trip hosted product decision makers from Bales Worldwide, Exodus, African Pride, Acacia Africa, The Natural Travel Collection and Six Star Holidays.

Excursions in Nairobi on the programme included a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage at Nairobi National park, a trip to the Giraffe Centre in Langata and a VIP dinner at new luxury hotel, Villa Rosa Kempinski.

The group then left Nairobi to sample various tourism products across Kenya, including site inspections of a diverse range of Kenya’s hotels, national parks and conservancies from the famous Treetops Lodge to Sweetwaters Serena Camp to Ol Pejeta House.

The Ol Pejeta conservancy was a particular highlight for the group, supporting Kenya’s status as a leading safari destination.

Phil Ellis, Bales Worldwide said: “The game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy was the best I have experienced anywhere in Africa.”

Hotels in the itinerary included Hemingways Nairobi, a new luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Ngong Hills which opened in April 2013, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, located in the foothills of Africa’s second highest mountain, and the silver eco-rated Turtle Bay Beach Club and luxurious Hemingways Watamu, both of which overlook the internationally acclaimed Watamu Marine National Park.

Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director, Kenya Tourism Board, said: “We are pleased to welcome 150 hosted buyers to magical Kenya, their attendance is a demonstration of their confidence in Kenya as a key tourism destination and we are thrilled they have had the opportunity to experience some of the country’s best national parks, beaches, accommodation and activities as well as the warmth of the Kenyan people.

“We hope they can return to the UK as ambassadors for Kenya filled with inspiration on new products to feature and that they are able to share their first-hand experiences and knowledge gained during their stay with their customers.”