Tag Archives: mountain

KTB partners with Athletics Kenya to unveil Mountain & Trail series

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Athletics Kenya (AK) has launched a series of mountain and trail running events aimed at positioning Kenya as a sports and adventure destination.

The series dubbed the “Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series” will kick off with the Barngetuny mountain run hosted in Nandi County set for January 18, 2025.

Speaking during the launch event in Nairobi, PS for Tourism John Ololtua said that Kenya known as the home of running and world beaters has the potential to attract additional tourists by tapping in the mountain and trail series which also gives opportunity for youth to exploit their talent as well as promote the local economies where the trail takes place.

“This Magical Kenya Mountain and trail Series align with our broader strategy of positioning Kenya as a multi-experience destination, catering to diverse interests and preferences,” he said. “We are confident that this trail series will become a flagship event, drawing visitors from around the globe and contributing significantly to our tourism economy.”

During the event, KTB and Athletics Kenya also signed a partnership that will see both organisations collaborate to promote Kenya as a premier destination for sports and adventure.

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed his excitement saying “We are glad to partner on this trail series which runs across various mountain trails and counties. We can use this mountain runs and trails to train our athletes to compete in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championship while also positioning Kenya to host one of the events in the global series. We already have over 20 medals in the championships and will use the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run to select the athletes who will represent Kenya in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.” he said

The Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series will feature six mountain and trail running events across Kenya’s unique landscapes, including the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, Nyamira Great Run Edition in May, Mt. Kenya Mountain Run Edition in June, Aberdare’s Trail Run Edition in August, Mt. Longonot Edition in November and the Elgon run in December.

June Chepkemei, CEO, KTB, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the board’s efforts to diversify Kenya’s tourism offering and tapping into the lucrative sports tourism markets. She added that the Mountain & Trail Series would be a game changer attracting both international sports enthusiasts and domestic tourists.

“Kenya is endowed with breathtaking landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine trails, which provide the perfect backdrop for adventure and sports,” said Chepkemei. “By partnering with Athletics Kenya and launching this Mountain and trail series we aim to leverage our international stature as a sports giant to market our destination as well as attract more tourists to Kenya.

The MP for Tinderet who is also the patron of the Barngetuny mountain run said “The Barng’etuny Mountain Run is not only a platform to celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also an opportunity to empower our communities through sports and tourism. This event will bring people together, foster economic growth, and showcase the unique beauty of the Rift Valley to the world. We invite everyone to come and be part of this exciting event, explore our rich heritage, and witness the beauty that makes our region a true gem,” said Melly

The launch event brought together key partners from the running community including hikers, trail and mountain runners and the tourism trade who will be packing attractions around the trails. The Trail Series is part of the broader Kenya Adventure Tourism Club initiative, which brings together public and private sector organizations, adventure experience owners, experts, and suppliers across Kenya’s nine tourism circuits. The club aims to foster collaboration and promote Kenya as a world-class destination for adventure enthusiasts.

Ras Al Khaimah and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launch See Double campaign

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with OMRAN Group have launched the See Double campaign – their first joint promotion that aims to entice visitors to explore the nature emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and neighbouring Musandam, the governate of Oman, in one experience-packed trip this summer.

The summer campaign, twinning up both destinations, encourages travellers to enjoy fun, adventure, and beauty, thereby creating double the memories. As an added incentive, the promotion highlights the ‘Kids Go Free’ offer available at many hotels and attractions in Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam.

The See Double campaign was officially unveiled at global travel industry event, ITB Berlin, which run from March 5-7 and brings together leisure travel partners from all over the world. The launch comes after the tourism entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2023 to pursue cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives, with a view to boosting international tourism to Ras Al Khaimah and the Musandam Governorate.

See Double effectively demonstrates how travellers can maximise their experience by visiting two remarkable destinations within a 90-minute drive of each other. Featuring an easy border crossing and the shared natural beauty of the majestic Hajar mountain range, as well as a rich, intertwined history and cultural heritage, the campaign promises to captivate visitors.

Commenting on this, H.E Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “Our See Double campaign with the ministry in collaboration with OMRAN brings together the best of Ras Al Khaimah and the Musandam Governate in one sensational summer promotion. This joint marketing effort marks the beginning of numerous cross-destination promotions we plan with the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to highlight the diverse attractions and experiences available to international travellers in both destinations. Pioneering in the region, the campaign is testament to our strong synergy, aligning with the international trend towards frictionless, borderless travel, and enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers.”

Haitham Al Ghassani, Director General for Tourism Promotion at Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “We are excited to unveil our first collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, which unlocks the outstanding tourism offering that our destinations have to offer families and travellers from all over the world. From adventure and sport to unearthing historic treasures, there is something for everyone in Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, and with the mountains and the sea remaining cooler during the summer, there’s no better place to be.”