Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
KENYA PARLIAMENT ANDMINISTRY OF TOURISM GATHER IN USA TO PROMOTE TRAVEL TO KENYA A prestigious delegation composed of key members of Kenya's Parliament and Ministry of Tourism, including Assistant Minister Honorable Cecily M. Mbarire, Permanent Secretary Ms. Leah Adda Gwiyo, and Managing Director of the Kenya Tourist Board Mr. Muriithi Ndegwa, recently traveled to New York City and Las Vegas to meet with members of the U.S. travel trade industry and media. The successful trip enabled them to introduce Kenya's latest and greatest travel develop- ments and discuss present and future opportunities for increasing trav- el to Kenya. Members of the delegation also took part in the World Travel & Tourism Council's annual Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Las Vegas where they were amongst the most influential minds in pro- moting global tourism efforts. RECENTLY RENOVATEDMOUNTMERU HOTEL HOSTS KICK-OFF RECEPTION FOR TANZANIA' S 12TH ANNUAL KARIBU TRAVELAND TOURISMFAIR IN ARUSHA The recently renovated five -starMountMeruHotel host- ed the kick-off cocktail reception for Tanzania's 12th annual Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair in Arusha. Karibu, which took place fromJune 3rd to the 5th, is the largest travel indus- try event inEastAfrica.The travel fair has become "the place to meet" for the region's travel industry partners from around the world. It has been boosting Tanzania tourism for the last 12 years and this year was no exception. The deputy minister of Trade and Industry, Honorable LazaroNyalandu was the guest of honor at theKaribuTravel andTourismFair official cocktail party.More than 450 people attended and enjoyed live food stations, delectable canapés and local music byAqua Sounds.This was the first opportunity that theMountMeru Hotel was able to showcase its new, lavish and luxurious look, including the sculptured gardens, to the travel industry. Karibu Fair organizers noted a record turn out this year."Some 265 exhibitors took part in this year's fair along with 7,500 regional and international visitors," said KaribuTravel andTourism Fair coordinator, Sammy Diah. "This year, the Karibu Fair focused attention firmly on marketing EastAfrica as a single tourist destination, an initiative that, along with others, puts the show in an enviable, and potentially enormously lucrative position,"Diah noted.The major objective of the fair is to raise the regional profile by promoting EastAfrican tourism to the global market and to bring all key industry players in EastAfrica together in one place, at one time. Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu said: "We are proud as a government, for this industry, that we must do everything to support, we must do everything to help,wemust do everything to uplift and I amtold just like right here, aswe stand in this fine and beau- tiful Hotel ofMountMeru, the Hotel that is definitely bringing the old glory ofArusha back home." Dr.AloyceK.Nzuki,TTB'smanaging director,noted "Tanzania is very proud that theKaribu Fair,which started as amod- est initiative, has evolved into a major travel industry showcase for all the EastAfrican destinations." Sangeev Halooman, resident manager ofMountMeru Hotel, accepted the "Best Luxury Hotel in Tanzania"Award from DeputyMinister ofTrade and Industry.Halooman said,"TheMountMeruHotel was honored to achieve such an award and continues to work hard provide unique hospitality experience for guests." The Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair continues to grow every year and exhibitors and visitors alike are excited about the prospect of the new permanent venue near Kisongo inArusha for the EastAfrica's leading travel and tourismindustry show. The 2012 KaribuTravel andTourism Fair is scheduled for June 1-3, 2012. For more information about Tanzania visit www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz. For more information on the Mount Meru Hotel, visit www.mountmeruhotel.com.To find out more about the Karibu Fair, visit www.karibufair.com. Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 27