Kenya is using the 13th World Potato Congress (WPC) to showcase its tourism attractions, cultural heritage and creative talent, giving international delegates an opportunity to experience the country beyond its potato industry. The congress programme will combine technical sessions and field visits with tourism experiences and special cultural performances, adding a Kenyan touch to the international gathering.
According to Chris Gasperi, a co-host of the congress through Fresh Crop, the organisers have designed optional tourism experiences to allow international visitors to explore Kenya’s wildlife, hospitality and cultural attractions. “We wanted to give the delegates an opportunity to see some of our leisure activities,” Gasperi said, explaining that participants would have opportunities to extend their stays and explore destinations around Nairobi and Nakuru.
Under the arrangements, delegates taking part in the Nairobi technical tour can extend their stay and visit Nairobi National Park, while those on the Nakuru route can stay at Sarova Woodlands and visit the area’s game park. The organisers have also linked delegates with local travel agents to facilitate longer excursions to destinations such as the Maasai Mara and other cultural attractions.
Beyond wildlife and hospitality, the congress will feature performances by Kenyan artists and schools that excelled at the Kenya Music Festival. However, the organisers are keeping the identities of the performers and details of the presentations under wraps, leaving delegates with a cultural surprise to look forward to. The performances are expected to add a distinctive cultural dimension to the gathering, showcasing Kenya’s artistic talent and the achievements of its young performers to an international audience.
Connecting agriculture with tourism
The tourism and cultural programme forms part of a broader effort to showcase Kenya beyond potato production. The congress brings together international potato industry stakeholders for technical sessions and discussions, alongside visits to research institutions, seed facilities, processing operations and potato farms. Delegates will also have opportunities to interact with Kenyan farmers during the World Potato Congress Field Day, where local and international technologies will be showcased and knowledge exchanged.
By combining agricultural learning with tourism excursions and surprise cultural performances, the organisers aim to give international visitors a broader experience of Kenya. The programme also creates opportunities for hotels, tour operators, travel agents and the creative sector to benefit from the arrival of international delegates. For Kenya, the congress offers a platform to showcase its agricultural potential, tourism attractions and creative talent, while encouraging visitors to explore more of the country and consider returning for future holidays, business engagements and investment opportunities.