Kenya’s minister for tourism said Korean tourists to his country would top 10,000 this year thanks to soon-to-begin direct flights between Nairobi and Incheon at an event celebrating Kenyan culture in Seoul on Friday.

“Since the establishment of Kenya Korea diplomatic relations in 1964, cooperation between the two countries has grown from strength to strength with various agreements and MOUs already in place and others under negotiation,” Minister for Tourism Danson Mwazo told attendees of Kenya Cultural Day 2012 at Seoul Museum of History.

“In particular, export trade has expanded more than 400 percent and, over the last ten years, Korean visitors have recorded the highest 7,300 in 2011 and the number is expected to reach 10,000 this year especially with the direct flight to Nairobi with Korean Air to start June 21.”

The non-stop flights will be the first from North East Asia to the Kenyan capital. Friday’s event, held by the Kenyan Embassy and Seoul Metropolitan Government, showcased traditional Kenyan dress, food, and utensils and featured a number of musical and dance performances.

“Sharing a common culture has greatly cemented the Korea society which has enabled them to reach a high level of development,” said Kenyan Ambassador Ngovi Kitau at the event.

“Similarly, Kenya has achieved great development … due to common cultural bonds and believes in mutual respect, language and peaceful coexistence.”

(john.power@heraldcorp.com)