The Magical Kenya Tourism Expo has continued to provide a crucial platform for hotels, travel agencies, airlines and destination management companies to build partnerships and explore new business opportunities, according to Golden Tulip Westlands Nairobi General Manager Irshad Quazzafi.
Quazzafi said Golden Tulip Westlands has participated in the annual tourism exhibition for the past 10 years, describing the event as an important platform for strengthening existing business relationships while creating new connections within the international tourism market.
Speaking during the ongoing Magical Kenya Tourism Expo, Quazzafi said the event enables industry players to interact with travel agencies, destination management companies, airlines and other stakeholders from different markets.
“It’s a great opportunity for all of us to be here. This is the platform which gives us a huge experience, getting connectivity with lots of travel agencies, lots of DMCs and airlines,” he said.
He noted that the expo also gives hospitality businesses an opportunity to meet potential partners, maintain relationships with existing clients and learn about emerging technologies, including the growing application of artificial intelligence in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Quazzafi said Golden Tulip Westlands, located along Mutiti Road in Westlands, Nairobi, has positioned itself to serve both business and leisure travellers.
The hotel has 94 rooms, 12 conference halls, two restaurants, a coffee shop and a gymnasium. Its accommodation facilities comprise 44 standard rooms, 38 superior rooms, 10 junior suites and two business suites.
He said the hotel has also benefited from the international participation at the Magical Kenya Tourism Expo, with several delegates from West Africa and the United Arab Emirates staying at the facility while participating in the exhibition.
“Most of the participants from different parts of the world, from West Africa, from the UAE, Dubai and Sharjah, are staying in my hotel and exhibiting over here,” Quazzafi said.
He urged tourism stakeholders to take advantage of the expo, describing it as one of the strongest platforms for Kenyan hoteliers, tour operators, travel agencies and destination management companies.
Quazzafi further expressed optimism about Kenya’s business environment, saying the country is experiencing rapid growth that is creating opportunities across various sectors.
“Kenya is growing very fast, rapidly. One of the best things we can see is that business is growing as well,” he said.
He cited the increasing hosting of major international activities and conferences as indicators of Kenya’s growing attractiveness as a business and tourism destination.
Quazzafi said the Golden Tulip network was also represented at the expo by teams from several African markets, including Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin and Ethiopia, reflecting the group’s regional presence.
He encouraged tourism and hospitality players to continue using the Magical Kenya Tourism Expo to expand their networks and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading tourism and business destination.