21 May 2008

Branson backs Kenya with new ad campaign

On May 19, Virgin Atlantic unveiled a Ã&#pound;250,000 advertising campaign aimed at attracting UK visitors back to the country, according to a report by allafrica.com.

The annual wildebeest migration will be the main theme of the campaign which will run in London's underground mainline stations, as well as in the country's national press.

Making the announcement in the Maasai Mara on Saturday when he opened new facilities at Sekenani Primary School, Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson said," There is an urgent need to get back to normal after the turmoil of the last few months, if businesses are to be sustainable."

Sir Richard said the election crisis had hurt the airline industry and asked politicians to ensure the success of the power sharing agreement, if the country's economy was to get back on track.

"There has never been a better time to to visit Kenya than now, and I will promote Kenya as a safe tourist destination," said Sir Richard, adding that the lifting of the travel ban to Kenya by the British government was a positive step.

Kenya Tourism Board chairman, Jake Grieves-Cook said that tourist bookings for the second half of the year were intact.

Area MP Mr Nkoidila Ole Lankas said that the project would go a long way towards securing the future of the local community, adding that the Maasai Mara was safe to visit.

Report by Chitra Mogul