The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KICC, CPA James Mwaura (blue suit left) and, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka (right) exchanging goodies during the unveiling of new ticketing office at KICC held at Kenyatta International Convention Center, Nairobi on Monday September 23, 2024.
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has partnered with Kenya Airways (KQ) to enhance Kenya’s position in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector. This collaboration was highlighted with the unveiling of a new ticketing office, the Asante Executive Hub, located at KICC, aimed at providing seamless travel solutions for conference delegates and event organizers.
KICC’s Chief Executive Officer, CPA James Mwaura, emphasized the strategic timing of this partnership, coinciding with Kenya’s recent achievement of chairing the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa Chapter. This prestigious role is expected to bolster Kenya’s influence in the MICE agenda across the continent and improve its global competitiveness.
“Through initiatives like this, we aim to attract major international conferences that can generate significant revenue and elevate Kenya’s global profile,” Mwaura stated. He noted that hosting 50 high-profile international conferences, similar to the 2024 African Development Bank Summit, would yield considerable economic benefits for the country.
The partnership seeks to enhance Kenya’s visibility as a prime destination for world-class business events. Mwaura remarked that by working together, KICC and Kenya Airways can better promote Kenya’s potential in hosting international gatherings, which in turn supports economic growth.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organizations will focus on sourcing key MICE markets, bidding for prestigious conferences, and implementing attractive travel packages for delegates. “World-class MICE destinations thrive on collaboration with their national airlines and stakeholders. This partnership will help position Kenya as the preferred location for business events,” Mwaura added.
Kenya Airways’ Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka, echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration aligns with the airline’s mission to enhance connectivity and drive Africa’s prosperity. “Our partnership with KICC reinforces Kenya Airways’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s growth as a leading MICE destination,” Kilavuka remarked, highlighting the potential economic benefits of attracting international business opportunities.
Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, described the Asante Executive Hub as more than just a physical space. It represents a commitment to exceptional service, providing competitive pricing, dedicated booking personnel, and efficient payment handling to streamline the travel experience for delegates.
Thairu acknowledged KICC’s support in establishing the office, emphasizing its role in promoting Kenya as a preferred MICE destination. “The Asante Executive Hub is part of our investment in enhancing customer-centric travel solutions,” he said.
With this new partnership, KICC and Kenya Airways aim to significantly elevate Kenya’s profile in the global MICE landscape, setting the stage for increased international engagement and economic growth through business tourism.