Branson says Kenya is back on track for tourism

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic Airways today vowed to help Kenya to get back on track and increase tourist numbers. Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has also unveiled a new advertising campaign aimed at attracting more travellers back to Kenya.

The campaign which begins on 19 May is being used as an initiative to get passengers back to Kenya and focuses on the migration of the Wildebeest. The campaign will appear on London’s Underground mainline railway stations as well as in the national press.

Speaking in Nairobi he said:

“There has never been a better time to visit Kenya than right now! The post election troubles, which were predominantly focused in the non-tourist areas, have now subsided. Last month a treaty was signed between President Mwai Kibaki and the opposition leader, now Prime Minister, Mr Raila Odinga in a power-sharing deal brokered by ex-UN head Kofi Annan and stability has returned to the political system.

“Tourism in Kenya is the number one industry for the nation and visiting now will make a huge difference to the locals who rely on the industry for their living. Kenya has been enjoying a considerable increase in tourist arrivals for the past five years with 2007 recording the highest number, with over 2m tourists.”

Virgin Atlantic flies daily to Nairobi operating on an Airbus A340-300 fitted with the Upper Class Suite, voted the world’s best business class. The Upper Class Suite consists of a reclining leather seat for take off, a place to sit and eat a proper meal opposite your partner, the longest fully flat bed in the world with a proper mattress, duvet and pillow and a private onboard bar to drink at.

Virgin Atlantic fares between London Heathrow and Nairobi start from £417.80 return including all taxes and charges. This fare is available for outbound travel from 13 May to 19 June and between 25 August and 08 December and is bookable by 31 May 2008.

Virgin Atlantic began flying to Nairobi in June 2007.

For more information, visit Virginatlantic.com.