The second half of 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting period for Kenya’s travel and tourism industry. From business forums and aviation conferences to global trade exhibitions and industry awards, the months ahead present valuable opportunities for travel professionals to build partnerships, explore new markets, discover emerging trends, and strengthen their competitive edge.
Whether you are a travel agent, tour operator, airline executive, hotelier, tourism board representative or destination marketer, attending industry events remains one of the most effective ways to expand your network, generate new business and stay informed about the rapidly evolving travel landscape.
Here are five travel industry events that deserve a place on your calendar.
KATA Travel Business & Innovation Forum 2026
13 August 2026 | Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi – GTC
The first major event on the calendar is the KATA Travel Business & Innovation Forum 2026, organised by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA).
Held under the theme “Connecting Travel, Business & Innovation,” the forum will bring together travel agents, airlines, tourism boards, technology providers and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of travel. Delegates can expect insightful discussions on innovation, digital transformation, changing consumer behaviour and business growth, alongside excellent networking opportunities with industry decision-makers.
For businesses seeking fresh ideas and strategic partnerships, the forum promises to be an important platform for collaboration.
AviaDev Africa
9–10 September 2026 | Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi
September will see Nairobi host one of Africa’s leading aviation conferences—AviaDev Africa.
The conference is recognised as the continent’s premier event dedicated to airline route development and aviation connectivity. It attracts airlines, airports, tourism authorities, civil aviation regulators and aviation service providers from across Africa and beyond.
With improved air connectivity remaining central to tourism growth, AviaDev offers valuable opportunities for airlines and tourism stakeholders to develop new routes, strengthen partnerships and explore investment opportunities that support the continent’s aviation sector.
Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE)
6–8 October 2026 | Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, Nairobi
Every year, the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) serves as Kenya’s flagship international tourism trade exhibition, and the 2026 edition is expected to attract hundreds of exhibitors, international hosted buyers and media representatives.
Organised by the Kenya Tourism Board, the expo provides local tourism businesses with a platform to showcase Kenya’s diverse tourism experiences while connecting directly with international travel buyers seeking new destinations and products.
For many exhibitors, MKTE generates long-term business partnerships that extend well beyond the exhibition floor, making it one of the country’s most commercially significant tourism events.
World Travel Market (WTM) London
3–5 November 2026 | ExCeL London
For Kenyan tourism businesses looking to strengthen their international presence, World Travel Market London remains one of the world’s most influential travel trade exhibitions.
The event attracts thousands of exhibitors and buyers from across the global travel industry, creating opportunities for destinations, airlines, hotels, tour operators and travel technology companies to negotiate business, launch new products and gain valuable market insights.
Participation also enables Kenyan tourism stakeholders to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings to international buyers while strengthening relationships within key source markets.
Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KETIBA)
27 November 2026 | Kenya
The industry’s calendar concludes with the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KETIBA), organised by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents.
The awards celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement across Kenya’s travel and tourism ecosystem, recognising organisations and individuals who continue to raise professional standards and drive industry growth.
Beyond celebrating success, KETIBA has become an important networking event where industry leaders gather to reflect on the year’s achievements while building relationships that will shape future collaborations.
More Than Events—They Are Business Opportunities
Collectively, these events demonstrate the strength, resilience and growing interconnectedness of Kenya’s travel industry with regional and global tourism markets. They provide platforms to exchange ideas, discover innovations, build strategic partnerships and identify new commercial opportunities that contribute to the continued growth of the sector.
For travel professionals looking to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace, the remainder of 2026 offers a calendar filled with opportunities to learn, connect and grow. Missing these events could mean missing the conversations, partnerships and innovations that will shape the future of Kenya’s travel and tourism industry.
