The students report that Kenya is poised to capitalize on the number of business travelers who wish to extend their trips so they can enjoy the places they visit. The focus of their research is on two kinds of business traveler identified by the travel management firm Amadeus in a 2014 report: “The Reward Traveler” and “The Gadget Nomad.” The Reward Traveler places a high priority on accumulating loyalty points to earn rewards. The Gadget Nomad relies heavily on technology tools such as smart phones and tablets. In Kitale, their hometown, the students visited the offices of Telkom Kenya, a major national telecommunications provider; ATS Travel, a specialist in air travel tickets; Fly 540, an airline that serves Kenya and East Africa and the Hotel Aturkan-Kitale. “Our study established that … the availability and accessibility of fast and continuous internet/WIFI connections determines choices made on where to stay, work and have fun while on a business trip.” Interviews conducted by the students also showed that “ all agreed on security, cleanliness of food, water, rooms, environment and efficiency” were both required and expected.
