It's all happening in magical Kenya, the very heart of Africa. This is wild country with polite folks, a country where broad smiles, firm handshakes and enthusiastic "Jambo" welcomes come naturally.

This small country with a big heart is determined to welcome the world home and has a vision to attract over 3 million international visitors per year to the land that’s often called the "Garden of Eden".

It has put the global financial crisis of 2009-2012 and the terrorist group Al Shahab behind it and launched a global initiative that saw 170 travel experts, agents and the media from 30 countries including the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, converge at the heritage Sarova Stanley hotel located in the heart of Nairobi for the fifth "Magical Kenya Travel Expo" organised by the Kenya Tourism Board.

The expo, to be held from October 15 to 17, has grown in stature and has, over the years, positioned itself as the leading tourism event in Africa.

The travel experts began their tour of the country yesterday (October 11). It was an opportunity to discover, explore and experience the breadth and depth of what Kenya has to offer all-year-round. From its 480-km-long coastline dotted with sandy beaches, hilly terrain and quite flowing rivers to its  rich cultural heritage and breathtaking wildlife, the country is determined to be on every traveller's "must see" list, if not their bucket list.

 "Kenya's status as a regional hub and the gateway to Africa will continue to rise," says Muriithi Ndegwa, Ogw, managing directorof the Kenya Tourism Board.

"The KTB will continue to provide opportunities to grow your business and by experiencing Kenya for yourself, we hope you will return home with firsthand knowledge and insights that will allow you to promote and sell Kenya," he told the travel industry representatives and the media who were split into smaller groups for their journey of discovery over the next five days.

The varied wildlife, jaw-dropping and ever-changing landscapes and memorable animal encounters will lift your spirits. Such is its draw, you can never get enough. The hotels are awesome, the food caters to all tastes, including vegans, and people willing to walk that extra mile to ensure you have a great vacation.

Kenya is a microcosm of Africa and with over 50 of the world's most breathtaking national parks; spectacular mountains including Mt. Kilamanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world; some of Earth's most threatened wildlife; 1,070 species of birds (the longest list in
Africa), it promised to be the "greatest wildlife show on earth."

Indeed, a holiday in this country of 45 million people is an experience not to be missed. Having hosted millions of tourists over the years, Kenya is one of the most tourist-friendly places in the world, where your holiday packages, travel and other plans are executed with clockwork precision. - TradeArabia News Service