REBRANDING Kenya
Kenya’s tourism industry is one of the most resilient on the African continent and it has always bounced back from any unfortunate events. Yet, nothing had prepared it for the disruption resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. From closure of high-end hotels to the cessation of flights to the country, the tourism sector was in for a rough ride.
In Kenya’s vast wildlife conservation areas, an eerie silence prevailed as international visitors stayed away. Stories of elephants, lions and other animals sheltering beside the empty tents of luxurious camps and lodges made headlines worldwide. It was the worst situation the industry had ever faced.
But the sector, like the proverbial phoenix, is slowly rising from the pandemic ashes, led by equally battle-hardened veterans – although clearly it will not be a return to business as usual.
Instead, the captains of the good ship tourism are curating new experiences that will see Kenya regain its foothold in the global tourism industry.
01 RETHINKING THE HOTEL BUSINESS
RICHARD KIMENYI | GENERAL MANAGER, HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI
from the terraces of Hemingways Nairobi, Richard Kimenyi enjoys a view of the picturesque Ngong Hills. It is a sight he has gazed over for the last three years, ever since the 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of the suburb of Karen headhunted him to become its general manager.
It’s 45 years since the German-trained hotelier started out in Kenya’s hotel industry, and his footprints can be seen in some of the country’s iconic hotels and lodges, including Hilton Nairobi, Keekorok Lodge
