Chinese volunteers boost Kenya's tourism sector（2）

Chinese volunteers boost Kenya's tourism sector   

A Chinese volunteer from PowerChina International introduces information of Karen Blixen House to visitors in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 11, 2018. The National Museum of Kenya (NMK) has partnered with the PowerChina International to reduce the language barrier and hence improve its service to Chinese tourists. According to the NMK, the Karen Blixen Museum receives between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors annually with Chinese nationals making up approximately ten percent of the guests. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu)

Karen Blixen house which sits on 12.5 acres of land, was converted into a heritage site in 1985 after it gained international fame following the release of Hollywood movie "Out of Africa" which is based on a book with a similar title authored by Blixen.

Rotich said the movie helped to raise the profile of the Karen Blixen Museum which served as a setting of the film that won several Oscar Academy Awards.

She added that one of the most prized possessions of Blixen that are on display at the museum are the Chinese artifacts including a rich collection of Chinese porcelain.

Liu Heng, a-28 year-old employee of PowerChina also serves as a tour guide at Karen Blixen Museum.

Liu said the time spent as a volunteer is very rewarding as it helps to cement Sino-Kenya ties.

"My translation work for the museums helps the Chinese understand Kenya's rich cultural and dynamic heritage especially during the colonial era," Liu added.

He revealed that he was also inspired to volunteer by the life of Blixen who had a deep appreciation of the African people.

He added that there is growing interest among Chinese nationals to learn the history of the African continent.

According to the Chinese tour guide, the peak season for Chinese tourists in Kenya is between June to September during the Chinese summer vacation when Chinese tend to take their children to overseas trips.