Famous WRC Rally drivers took time out on Sunday at the Amboseli park to explore Kenya’s tourism treat before embarking on the wheels for this year’s WRC safari rally which zooms off this Thursday.
The divers included the 2024 championship leader Thierry Neuville from Belgium representing the Hyundai Shell Mobis World rally team ,Toyota Gazoo’s Elfyn Evans from Great Britain and French Nicolas Ciamin of Hyundai .
The drivers took part in the Maasai Mara tour for top WRC drivers organized by the WRC in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
“I think it’s an enjoyable experience. It’s definitely saying you have to do it once in your life. I am lucky to be here today,” said Neuville
“Was exciting to see three out of the big five.” the Belgian concluded
“always relaxed and you have to be prepared as you can of course we have to provide the balance between preparedness and relaxing,”Ellyfin Evans said
“yeah it was interesting to see all the animals its a unique experience, chance to ride hot balloon for the 1st time is really interesting.”added Ellyfin
According to Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, Kenya is particularly well-placed to tap into the over $6 billion motorsport industry. Kenya is looking to leverage experiential marketing to draw in more travelers by encouraging sports enthusiasts to either extend their stay after sporting events or arrive earlier to enjoy a more immersive tourism experience.
“Kenya is now strategically embracing and taking advantage of the motorsport tourism market, as evidenced by hosting this esteemed group of WRC drivers who got a taste of the magical Kenya safari experience. The influence of these personalities on motorsport fans worldwide is invaluable in promoting Kenya as a leading adventure and motorsport destination. We look forward to showcasing these unrivalled experiences to more spectators and drivers alike during the Safari Rally,” Said the PS.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ababu Namwamba while flagging off the four drivers said that adventure and motorsport enthusiasts are now strongly associating Kenya with unique experiences, buoyed by the growth in events such as World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, the East Africa Safari Classic Rally among others.
“ The Safari rally is part of our heritage and part of our plans is to ensure that Kenya benefits from hosting these key personalities. We are so keen do deploy our sports tourism agenda and to use sports as a platform to market Kenya and as a platform to welcome the world to Kenya and that’s why for us it’s an opportunity to welcome the team of elite drivers to the Mara, home to the 8th Wonder of the world, a perfect way to showcase the best of Kenya,” CS Ababu said.
The two-day excursion saw top WRC drivers explore the magnificent Maasai Mara National Reserve. The experiential itinerary included a hot air balloon safari, authentic wildlife viewing , cultural interactions with the local Maasai community and a bush dinner, among other activities.
The Safari rally is set to be held from March 28 – 31, marking the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championship calendar after the Royalle Monte Callo , Monaco and Rally Sweden , UMEA.
The rally reverts to the traditional Easter holiday weekend, a season that sees high local travel among Kenyans and attracts thousands of regional fans.
