The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has unveiled an exciting new initiative aimed at uncovering the country’s lesser-known travel destinations. The photography competition, titled “Tembea Kenya, Capture Magical Kenya,” seeks to highlight Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures while encouraging domestic tourism and involvement in promoting the country’s vast and diverse attractions.
Running from November 5 to December 11, 2024, the contest invites Kenyans to share their photos of both well-known and undiscovered tourism sites. Through this initiative, KTB hopes to shed light on the many areas that are often overlooked by travelers, despite their rich tourism potential. The contest is being hosted across various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, with participants encouraged to capture the beauty of their local surroundings, specify the location, and tag KTB in their submissions.
KTB CEO, June Chepkemei, explained that this contest is designed to showcase how the tourism sector is thriving at the grassroots level. “At the county level, Kenyans have invested in tourism through accommodation and hospitality services around nontraditional tourism sites, opening up both urban and remote areas to tourism activities,” she said. “Unfortunately, most Kenyans remain unaware of these attractions. Through this contest, we hope to leverage the power of photography to bring these hidden gems to light.”
The primary goal of the contest is not only to reveal new destinations but also to encourage Kenyans to rediscover traditional tourism sites that are often seen as catering mainly to international visitors. By focusing on local tourism, the competition serves to inspire more domestic travelers to explore Kenya’s rich landscapes, diverse cultures, and vibrant cities.
Chepkemei also emphasized the importance of promoting domestic tourism, especially during off-peak seasons when international tourism typically slows down. “We recognize the critical role of domestic tourism in positioning Kenya as a global destination and sustaining the hospitality sector,” she said. “This contest will help uncover more diverse experiences for local tourists and showcase the many attractions available within their own country.”
Participants can submit photos across eight different categories: Hidden Gems of Kenya, Kenyan Wildlife Wonder, Rich Cultural Heritage & Traditions, Breathtaking Landscapes, 50 Million Smiles – Kenyan People and Faces, Adventure in Kenya, Urban Vibes: Kenya’s Vibrant Cities, and Sustainable Travel Community & Conservation Efforts. This categorization allows for a broad representation of Kenya’s diverse tourism experiences, from wildlife and landscapes to culture and sustainability efforts.
The winners of each category will be rewarded with cash prizes: Ksh. 150,000 for first place, Ksh. 70,000 for second, and Ksh. 30,000 for third. These prizes are aimed at recognizing the photographers who best capture the essence of Kenya’s tourism potential, encouraging not only their participation but also the wider public to engage with the country’s rich cultural and natural assets.
In addition to the prizes, the contest will culminate in a photo exhibition, allowing participants to showcase their work to a larger audience and celebrate Kenya’s tourism diversity. The exhibition will not only highlight the winning photos but also promote Kenya as a must-visit destination, inviting local and international tourists alike to explore the country’s hidden gems.
Through this photography contest, KTB hopes to ignite a renewed sense of pride among Kenyans for their country’s tourism offerings and create greater awareness of the untapped potential of local travel destinations. By encouraging more people to participate, KTB is also tapping into the growing trend of user-generated content to promote tourism and increase visibility for underexplored regions across the nation.
This initiative aligns with KTB’s ongoing efforts to position Kenya as a top global tourism destination, with a unique focus on the local travel experience. Whether it’s the allure of wildlife, adventure, or cultural heritage, the contest provides an exciting opportunity for Kenyans to explore their own backyard and discover the magic that exists beyond the typical tourist trails.
