Buoyed by thriving international arrivals, Kenya has recorded KES 142.5 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in revenue from over 1 million tourists in the first six months of the year.
In a press statement, Kenya Tourism Board says that the country saw 1,027,630 international visitors, marking a 21.3 pc increase from the same period in 2023, when the East African nation had received 847,810 visitors.
June Chepkemei, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board associated the growth with a significant increase in tourist visits to regions beyond the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is currently operating at full capacity due to the wildebeest migration season.
During a visit to Maasai Mara, Chepkemei underscored the role of Mara as a hub for tourists to explore other regions after the mesmerising annual wildebeest migration.
“The tourism sector’s sustained growth in domestic tourism over the years, highlighting the industry’s collaborative efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices and enhance the overall visitor experience,’” she said.
Chepkemei revealed that the board will soon unveil a second phase of the Tembea Kenya campaign to woo domestic travellers.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Erustus Kanga emphasised the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism practices in establishing Kenya as a competitive tourism destination.
He singled out the growing interest among modern travellers in the sustainability of tourism operations, emphasising efforts of KWS to collaborate with government agencies, sectors, and communities to promote sustainable conservation initiatives.
Kanga underscored his commitment to training conservancy rangers and providing technical support for ecotourism management.
He also stressed the importance of empowering communities to engage in nature-based enterprises, such as crocodile farming, ostrich rearing, chameleon breeding, aloe cultivation, beekeeping, and guinea fowl farming.