The 2017 Magical Kenya Travel Expo, the most important international trade fair for the promotion of tourism in the country, was inaugurated yesterday morning by Minister of Tourism Najib Balala.
Outside and inside the large KICC conference center, the best of the tourist attractions of the territory for three days are on display for buyers and operators from every corner of the world, with particular attention to the Pan-African market, which is constantly growing.
If every year the luxurious lodges of Kenya's major reserves and luxury hotel chains are the master, the representation of other excellences rooted in the country, such as safari agencies, restaurants, spas and other services, must not be missed.
Unfortunately, the Kenyan coast is not very well represented, and it is a sign not only of the current difficulty of the sector, but also of the strategic short-sightedness and marketing of some "do it yourself" properties which, especially in Malindi, show that they lose their shots and are not able to keep up with the times, lowering fatally their target and their range of action. Then everyone is free to make their own choices and to implement policies different from those suggested by the host country, the trend of tourism and the times that are running. But in the end the results of different strategies do not seem to give great results, except for those structures directly managed by tour-operators that sift the Italian market on a long and wide scale.
For them, from the weekend, there will be the TTG's window in Romagna.
For Malindi, on the other hand, until tomorrow, there are only Ocean Beach Resort and Kilili Baharini Spa & Resort at Magical Kenya Travel Expo.
"It's very sad to see that a destination does not know and do not want to promote itself in a modern and effective way - explains Roberto Marini, owner of Ocean Beach and executive member of the Kenya Tourist Federation - despite past efforts, few have understood the importance of being there, of building important relationships and broadening their horizons. The large number of very high level activities at this trade fair gives rise to optimism, even if there is a lot to be done and felt".
Visit the stands of Malindi and Watamu, a sign that the destination is interesting.
The magazine "What's Best in Kilifi County", distributed by the Kenya Tourist Board at its desks, illustrates the area in the best way possible.
Good thing at least for those who participated in this promotion formula.
Representing Watamu, one of the most valuable facilities, the Medina Palms.
And no Italian resorts.
Strategic choice, perhaps also given the political crisis. 
But that cannot and must not be an alibi, in view of a season that looks very interesting, if it will not be ruined by events unrelated to the tourist attractiveness of the country and almost always far from coastal destinations.