Tourists on a Game Drive. Photo/Courtesy
NAIROBI, Kenya– Kenya’s tourism industry is on a winning streak, raking in Sh142.5 billion in the first six months of 2024, a significant 21.3pc increase compared to the same period last year.
The uptick is attributed to a surge in both domestic and international travel, with over a million tourists visiting the country, up from 847,810 in 2023.
During a visit to the Maasai Mara on Monday, Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the role of domestic tourism in this revenue growth.
The country recorded 2.25 million bed nights, a 10pc rise from last year’s 2.06 million.
Chepkemei noted that while the Maasai Mara continues to attract large crowds due to the annual wildebeest migration, there has been a notable increase in tourist visits to regions beyond the reserve.
“Kenya’s tourism sector has shown sustained growth, particularly in domestic travel, thanks to collaborative efforts to promote sustainable practices and enhance the overall visitor experience,” said Chepkemei.
She also revealed that the board is gearing up to launch the second phase of the Tembea Kenya campaign, aimed at encouraging more Kenyans to explore their own country.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Erustus Kanga, who accompanied Chepkemei during the Maasai Mara visit, emphasized the critical role of sustainable tourism in positioning Kenya as a top destination.
Kanga pointed out the growing interest among modern travelers in sustainability, and KWS’s commitment to training conservancy rangers and offering technical support for ecotourism management.
He highlighted KWS’s initiatives to empower communities through nature-based enterprises such as crocodile farming, aloe cultivation, and beekeeping.
Kanga also called for public support of the ongoing #TunzaMaliYako campaign, which urges Kenyans to actively participate in conservation efforts, a cornerstone of the nation’s development.
With the tourism sector showing robust growth, particularly in domestic travel, Kenya is well on its way to cementing its position as a leading destination in Africa.
As the country continues to promote sustainable tourism practices and expand its offerings beyond traditional hotspots like the Maasai Mara, the future looks promising.
The combination of strategic campaigns, such as Tembea Kenya, and the focus on sustainability, could see Kenya attract even more tourists in the coming years, further boosting the economy and creating more opportunities for local communities.
