By P. Sarojini
NAIROBI, Kenya (CWBN)_ Kenya being one of the largest producers of tea has now launched tea tourism in Bomet. Kenya had chosen Bomet to promote their tea tourism as the county has vast areas of tea plantations and numerous multinational tea companies and private-owned as well as Kenya Tea Agency-managed factories. The sparkling lush green tea plantations which run through Bomet and Kericho counties in the South Rift region gives an astonishing view which attracts numerous foreign tourists to the place.
Moreover, the vicinity of the tea plantations to the major global tourist attraction spot Mau Forest complex and Maasai Mara Game Reserve is another advantage for the tourist safari. The counties of Bomet and Kericho can together offer a perfect blend of wildlife and tea safari. Hence, with major sources of tea plantation areas and other natural sceneries, Kenya is expected to attract numerous local and foreign tourists. The other major countries which were successful in their tea tourism are India, Pakistan and China. These countries produce a major share of tea, which benefits their economy too.
In view of their vision 2030, the Kenya government also plans to create new job opportunities using tea tourism and plans to enhance the growth of related sectors too. Tourism Chief Administrative Secretary Joseph Boinnet referred to the Kenyan tea in the global market and said, “Kenyan tea is a popular global brand that has put the country on the global map for decades. We are leveraging on it as a tourist attraction product”. Kenyan tea is one of the major contributors to the country’s economy and foreign exchange next to tourism. Kenyan tea is exported across the world to Europe, Asia and the US.
Apart from tea, Kenya is known for its agricultural and horticultural products. The Kenyan flowers and coffee are also major contributors to foreign exchange. The south rift region, with its lush green plantations and numerous multinational companies such as James Finlays, Unilever, Sotik Highlands, Sasini tea and George Williamsons, is one of the best choices to promote tea tourism in Kenya.
The Ministry of Tourism through Kenya Tourism Bord is planning to improve the country’s tourism sector by providing a collection of real travel experiences to the tourists. Mr Boinnet said that tea tourism is a new strategy of the government to support the economy. He said, “Tea tourism is a virgin area that has not been fully exploited. The launch of the product is the beginning of full exploration and maximization of its benefits, both at economic and social levels.”
This tourism package will take the local and international tourists on a journey to the tea plantations and showcase from the bush to the factory and to the cup. Mr Boinnet highlighted the term agri-tourism and said “There is no better way of building synergy between tourism and agriculture than embracing agri-tourism. This will not only sustain our economic livelihoods but also our tourism strategy to diversify.” He further notified the country’s plan to conduct a Tea Marathon next year, where the athletes will run through the routes of tea plantations.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok spoke about the need for diversification in the tourism sector. He said apart from the wildlife, natural scenery and tea tourism, the country can also promote cultural tourism. Mr Charles Korir, the head of Tourism in Bomet said, “Tea plantations and individual farmers have been asked to come up with various packages that will attract tourists for excursions in the region, and take advantage of the proximity of Mau complex that cuts through Narok, Nakuru, Bomet and Kericho counties.”
Edited by Elishya Perera
