http://www.english.hadhramaut.info Balala hosts Italian travel writers to dinner in Mombasa [The Source: www.standardmedia.co.ke - 03/11/2009] Tourism Minister Najib Balala has described the Italian tourist market as one of Kenya’s best source markets in the world. Speaking during a cruise dinner hosted by the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) for Italian travel writers aboard a Tamarind dhow in Mombasa, Balala said the Italian tourist market has remained steady and active through all seasons even when other countries chose other destinations."When other charter flights into Mombasa have have had to cancel their itineraries, Italian tourists have maintained a steady flow into the Kenyan Coast," Balala said. Weeklong tour The Italian travel writers under the aegis of Gist were on a weeklong familiarisation tour of key tourist destinations in the country.During their visit, the group of journalists sampled the world famous Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Malindi which has a high population of Italian national residents.Balala was accompanied by KTB Managing Director Mr Robert Ndegwa and Director of Marketing Jeniffer Opondo.Others were KTB Public Relations Manager Khalid Salim, Public Relations Officer Ann Kanini and KTB Mombasa Airport manager Hellen Omukoko.Meanwhile, a Belgium charter flight, Jet Air touched at the Moi International Airport at 9.20 am. Last week, Ethiopian Airline started a direct flight into Coast from Addis Ababa, with the maiden flight touching down at Moi International Airport in Mombasa on October 22. The daily flights connect the exotic city of Mombasa with Ethiopia’s extensive network spanning the four continents.