AirAsia X Partners with Kenya Tourism Board to Boost Tourism Ahead of Direct Flights from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur
(IN SHORT) AirAsia X (AAX) has partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board to enhance tourism and connectivity between Asia and Africa, coinciding with the launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi on November 15, 2024. This collaboration will feature joint marketing initiatives and promotional activities aimed at attracting more tourists and boosting economic growth in both regions. With a goal to attract over 14 million international tourists annually by 2025, Nairobi is positioned as a key hub for this strategy. The new route will provide Kenyans with convenient access to Asia while supporting Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. AAX’s CEO, Benyamin Ismail, emphasized the importance of this route for expanding travel opportunities, while Kenya’s tourism officials highlighted its potential to drive economic growth and cultural exchange. The partnership also includes special promotional fares for travelers from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi, reinforcing AAX’s commitment to the Kenyan market.
(PRESS RELEASE) Nairobi, Kenya, 2024-Oct-4 — /Travel PR News/ — AirAsia X (AAX), the prominent medium-haul low-cost airline in Asia, has joined forces with the Kenya Tourism Board in a strategic partnership designed to enhance travel connectivity between Asia and Africa. This collaboration is timed with the upcoming launch of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi, which are set to begin on 15 November 2024, with a schedule of four flights per week.
The alliance between AAX and the Kenya Tourism Board will involve coordinated marketing efforts, promotional activities, and initiatives aimed at improving travel experiences. By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, the partnership aims to attract more visitors and stimulate economic growth in both Malaysia and Kenya.
The East African Community (EAC) has set an ambitious target to draw over 14 million international tourists annually by 2025, with Nairobi positioned as a key player in this strategy. The introduction of these direct flights is expected to enhance Nairobi’s profile as a hub for both regional and international travel, providing significant economic advantages and promoting cultural exchange.
This new route will not only provide Kenyan travelers with seamless access to major destinations in Asia but also aligns with Malaysia’s upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, further enhancing its appeal as a premier travel destination. Kuala Lumpur will serve as a vital gateway for tourists from Nairobi, granting them easy access to Malaysia’s rich attractions, from its cultural landmarks to its vibrant culinary offerings.
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, expressed excitement about the launch: “We are thrilled to introduce our direct flights to Nairobi next month. This is a pivotal step in connecting Asia with Africa, opening up extensive travel options between the continents. Our collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board underscores our commitment to expanding travel opportunities and boosting tourism. This route is essential for Kenya’s tourism growth and will create new links for travelers. With Nairobi now easily accessible, travelers can explore our key routes, including Australia and China, offering new adventures across Africa through Kuala Lumpur.”
June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, emphasized the impact of the partnership on tourism: “This collaboration is poised to significantly enhance tourism numbers to Kenya. The improved connectivity will drive economic growth and create new opportunities for local enterprises, establishing Kenya as a premier destination for global travelers, especially from Asia. By facilitating easier access to Nairobi, we anticipate a boost in tourism revenue and enriched cultural exchanges, benefiting both Kenya’s tourism sector and its overall economy.”
The Asia Pacific region is crucial for Kenya, having welcomed over 320,000 travelers from this market in 2023, with India, China, and Japan as the top sources of visitors. This partnership aims to increase tourist arrivals from Malaysia and other regional destinations.
In keeping with AAX’s commitment to local collaboration, the airline has partnered with Magical Aviation Services, its Official General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nairobi, to ensure that local expertise drives its operations. This partnership will enable AAX to offer tailored services to meet the specific needs of Kenyan travelers. Furthermore, AAX has opened its first Sales Office in Nairobi at Riverside Square, marking a significant milestone in its African expansion. This new office will serve as an essential hub for customer support and sales services, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to the region.
As part of this collaboration, AAX is offering special fares for travelers flying from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi, starting from RM799 one-way in Economy class or RM1,999 for the award-winning Premium Flatbed option. Bookings are available until 6 October 2024, for travel from 15 November 2024 until 30 June 2025.
*All-in one-way fares include airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Additional terms and conditions apply, excluding inflight meals and checked baggage.
Premium Flatbed fare includes all applicable fees, along with 40kg checked baggage, priority boarding, inflight meals, and more.
Media Contact:
Daphne Cheah
communications@airasia.com
Source: AirAsia
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