Eldoret, a city in Kenya's North Rift region, is set to host this year's UN Tourism Week from September 21 to 27. The event, taking place at the University of Eldoret, will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology in the tourism sector. Organizers aim to promote digital solutions, start-ups, and technologies that can help destinations, tourism businesses, and communities reach new markets. The program will bring together national and county governments, tourism investors, technology companies, innovators, scholars, conservationists, and members of the public.
The event's opening was officially announced by Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. He invited everyone to visit Eldoret and the greater North Rift, highlighting the region's tourism potential. The program includes training on the use of digital technology and AI for tourism businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, youth, and community-based tourism enterprises. Participants will explore the use of AI and digital tools in destination marketing, content creation, customer engagement, business development, and market intelligence.
The UN Tourism Week program features various activities, including road trips and a destination caravan to promote tourism sites and experiences across the North Rift. Visitors will be taken to attraction sites and introduced to local tourism products, enterprises, and communities. Other activities include hot-air balloon rides, sports, cultural experiences, and visits to entertainment venues in Eldoret. The program also includes exhibitions featuring tourism products, enterprises, innovations, culture, and creative work, aiming to create opportunities for businesses and innovators to connect with potential partners and markets.
Environmental activities, such as tree-growing and clean-up exercises, will be part of the program, promoting sustainable tourism. The event comes as Kenya seeks to broaden its tourism offerings beyond traditional coastal and wildlife destinations. The North Rift region, where Eldoret is located, is being positioned as a new tourism hub. The region offers a range of attractions, including natural scenery, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
The UN Tourism Week in Eldoret aims to showcase the potential of AI and digital technology in enhancing tourism experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in using technology to drive tourism growth. By leveraging technology, Kenya hopes to attract new tourists and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
Kenya's tourism sector has traditionally focused on coastal and wildlife destinations. However, the government is now seeking to diversify its tourism offerings and promote new destinations, including the North Rift region. The UN Tourism Week in Eldoret is part of this effort, aiming to promote the region's tourism potential and attract new visitors. The event is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the growth of Kenya's tourism sector.
The success of the UN Tourism Week in Eldoret will be measured by its impact on tourism growth in the region and the adoption of AI and digital technology by tourism businesses. The event's outcomes will also inform future tourism development initiatives in Kenya, as the government seeks to harness the potential of technology to drive sustainable tourism growth. Key stakeholders will evaluate the event's success and identify areas for improvement.
Key points
- The UN Tourism Week in Eldoret focuses on AI and digital technology to enhance tourism experiences and promote sustainable tourism practices.
- The event aims to promote new tourism destinations in Kenya, including the North Rift region.
- The program includes training on the use of digital technology and AI for tourism businesses.
