West Ham United’s new signing Kalvin Phillips has excited Kenyans across social media platforms after he disclosed that Kenya is his most preferred tour destination.
The England international who has just completed a loan move to West Ham United from Manchester City following lack of game time said in his first interview as the Hammers player that he would find bliss in touring Kenya.
Phillips’ revelation attracted attention from the Kenya Tourists Board, which shared the clip on its X (formerly Twitter) account and even teased, saying the former Manchester City star should consider bringing the whole West Ham with him.
“Hey @Kalvinphilips, come kick it in Kenya again, sometime soon and bring the whole @westHam team with you!” the board posted.
How is Kenya doing in tourism?
Phillips’ comment came barely less than five months after Kenya was featured in the World Travel Awards (WTA) portfolio. It was voted as the best Africa Leading Destination during the WTA Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2023 held in Dubai on October 16, 2023.
Kenya Airways was also named Africa’s Leading Airline- Economy Class in the aviation sector with Ethiopian Airlines named Africa’s Leading Airline- Business Class.
The 30th anniversary celebration which was attended by World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke, also saw Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club crowned as Africa’s leading hotel.
“It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa and the Indian Ocean for our 30th anniversary celebrations in Dubai. The incredible evening will live long in everyone’s memory. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence and I congratulate each and everyone for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights,” Cooke stated.
Kenyans react to Kalvin Phillips’ revelation
As the Kenya Tourism Board expressed its excitement, Kenyans on X pointed out its lack of marketing strategy following the caption on the Kalvin Phillips clip.
” I’m not an expert in social media management nor in partnership nor in experience creation but I would have definitely handled this differently,” @mutiemule commented.
@PhanHerine said,
” Mkiambiwa m-hire watu wako qualified mnadhani ni utani, now see the disadvantage of hiring non-qualified personnel.”