Revenue from tourism in Kenya jumped nearly a third in 2023 over the previous year beating the pre-pandemic numbers, according to the tourism ministry.
Kenya has been a major tourist destination in East Africa traditionally attracting visitors from across the world to its wildlife parks and Indian Ocean beaches.
A ministry report seen by AFP on Sunday said revenue rose 31.5 percent last year to hit 352.5 billion shillings (nearly USD2.7 billion).
But per capita spending in dollar terms by the 1.95 million visitors fell.
“Despite the increase in the number of visitors in 2023 as compared to 2022, the average per capita expenditure in US dollars decreased significantly,” the report said.
The airline, whose biggest shareholder is the Kenyan government, also said in a statement that its loss after tax had reduced to almost 23 billion shillings from more than 38 billion shillings the year before. Total revenue for the year surged by 53 per cent to 178 billion shillings, which the airline attributed mainly to a 35 per cent growth in passenger numbers to 5.04 million, according to its audited results statement.
“This is partly attributed to the sustained depreciation of the Kenya shilling against the major currencies.”Before the coronavirus pandemic, tourism brought in about USD2.24 billion in 2019 from two million visitors, or about 10 percent of GDP.
Americans accounted for the largest number of 2023 arrivals at 265,310, followed by Ugandans (201,623), Tanzanians (157,818) and 156,700 from the United Kingdom.
The ministry hopes to welcome 2.4 million tourists this year.
In January, Kenya’s immigration services said the first batch of foreign tourists had arrived under a simplified “visa-free” entry system it hoped would encourage more visitors.
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The campaign aims to instill aspiration among Indian travellers and establish a loyal customer base with travel agencies based on the total number of passengers booked within the specified timeline. Scheduled to run for four months, from February to June 2024, the campaign seeks to capitalise on the growing interest in travel to Kenya among Indian tourists.
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At a press meet in Delhi, the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) announced its upcoming Convention that will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 24-27, 2023. This will be the first time a tourism industry convention is being held in Kenya. Sarova Hotels will be the official hotel partner, with most events taking place at the historic Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi.
The association is expecting the participation of around 200 delegates during the convention. An MoU was also signed between OTOAI and Sarova Hotels to seal the contract for the upcoming OTOAI Convention in Kenya.
The association said special airfares have been negotiated with partner airlines for the convention – Kenya Airways and Air India. OTOAI has curated separate convention packages for its active members in Mumbai and Delhi starting from INR 79,999 + GST and INR 82, 999 + GST respectively. The package includes the three-night convention as well as the option to have pre-and post-fam trips to Nakuru, Mara and Shaba to experience Kenya’s wildlife and tourism offerings.
Sharing details about the convention, which is taking after a long- break, Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said that they are confident that OTOAI members will have the experience of a lifetime and they will further promote Kenya to Indian travellers.
“This is a much-awaited Convention as it is taking place after a gap of three years and that too in a destination like Kenya, which is still undiscovered by many in India. Sarova Hotels &; Resorts, a leading hotel group headquartered in Kenya, is our official hotel partner for the convention. One Above, with its multiple offices across India and abroad, are going to be our ground handlers in Kenya during the convention. I am confident that this is going to be a great Convention and I invite you all to come and be a part of it.”
Shravan Bhalla, Vice President, OTOAI and Chairman for the convention, informed the media that registration for the members will open on September 27. “Attendees will need to ensure they have received the yellow fever vaccination at least 15 days before travel. Polio vaccination may also be required to enter Kenya,” he said.
IATO said it will soon announce the venue for the next year’s 39th IATO Annual Convention for which a destination is being finalised. IATO President Rajiv Mehra said that a proposal was submitted to the Odisha Government for organising the annual convention and the same has now been accepted. This will be IATO’s third convention in Odisha.
Welcoming the delegates for the OTOAI Convention in Kenya, Mita Vohra, Director, Sarova Hotels and Resorts said Kenya offers incredible natural beauty and warm hospitality. She expressed optimism that OTOAI will attend the convention in large numbers to experience all that Kenya has to offer in tourism. “The convention also aims to promote Kenya as a destination for Indian travellers and boost tourism between the two countries,” she added.
Travel requirements
Those travelling to Kenya will have to get a mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination 15 days prior to travel, Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate can be avail from any approved local government center. Another mandatory requirement to travel to Kenya is to obtain Polio Drops Vaccination/Vaccination Certificate from a local physician.
Kenya offers e-visa to Indian citizens, for which they can apply by paying a fee of USD 50.
The association will reveal more details on the convention, including information on the convention theme, business sessions, speakers and more in a few days after approval from its EC. After the press meet on the convention, OTOAI held its EC meeting to discuss preparations for the convention.
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