ADS for Kenya threatens SA

IN a move which will compete directly with South Africa's strategy of attracting more Chinese tourists to this country, it has been announced that China will award Approved Destination Status to Kenya. Kenya will be granted ADS following the signing of an agreement by the Kenyan and Chinese governments on December 15, according to a report in the East African Standard newspaper. It becomes only the third African country to be granted ADS, the others being Egypt and South Africa. Tourism and Information minister, Raphael Tuju, who announced the deal, said Kenya hopes to target the eastern market, which he believes shows more earnings potential than Europe. “It is a remarkable and progressive move we are making into the Asian market which will go a long way to healing the ailing industry,” he said. The managing director of Kenya Airways has allegedly reassured the minister that direct flights will be introduced to China once the pact is signed. SAA has announced similar intentions. (Natalia Thomson)