KTB commit to rewarding athletes as part of promoting Kenya as a destination

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will reward top finishers from the recently-concluded 2023 Berlin Marathon with a three-day holiday in the Kenyan coastal tourism circuit as an honour for their exploits. 

While congratulating three Kenyan marathoners who made it to the podium in Berlin Marathon, in Germany, KTB Ag. Chief Executive officer John Chirchir says the holiday treat while serving as recuperation time for the marathoners; it was also in recognition of their role in putting Kenya on the global map.

Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday secured his fifth victory in Berlin Marathon after clocking 2:02.42 while Vincent Kipkemoi came second with 2: 03. 24. In the Women race, Kenya contented with a second position from Sheila Chepkirui who clocked 2:17.49.

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Chirchir said marathons and athletics are among sports that have positively profiled Kenya globally adding that this has attracted interest among international visitors to travel into the country.

“As the country’s tourism marketing agency, we continue to leverage sports to create awareness about our tourism destinations and what other attractions to show to the world apart from the success of our cherished sportsmen and sports women,” said Chirchir.

He further disclosed that fully paid holiday packages will also be extended to other podium finishers in both men and women category in the upcoming Chicago and New York Marathons.

According to Chirchir, sports are emerging as key platforms to promote what the country has to offer and that the upcoming Marathon Majors provide an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its destination brand to hundreds of millions of sports fans across the globe.

“The Abbott Majors host top notch marathoners from across the globe and our Kenyan marathoners have done us proud as invaluable Kenyan ambassadors. After touring the world, we would like them to sample and experience some of our signature experiences may it be in safari, beach, adventure and diverse culture,” he noted.

The Abbott Marathon majors comprise six marathons hosted in key cities in the world including Chicago, Berlin, New York, London, Tokyo and Boston. The marathons have over the years played a key role in profiling Kenya as the home of champions due to the many medals Kenyans have won.