Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has reassured travellers that recent public protests have not impacted the country’s tourism sector, urging visitors to continue with their travel plans during the peak season from now until September.
The period aligns with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara (More about this wildlife spectacle elsewhere in the newsletter). This annual trek of millions of animals in search of greener pastures, considered one of the “Twin Migrations” along with the humpback whale migration in the Watamu Protected Area, draws significant interest from tourists.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has recently launched a campaign targeting Kenyans living abroad, known as “One Diaspora, One Tourist,” to enhance tourism.
During the launch of the 14th Magical Kenya Travel Expo, scheduled for October at Uhuru Gardens, KTB CEO June Chepkemai emphasized the board’s collaboration with the State Department of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Kenyan embassies to promote Kenya through diaspora networks.
Additionally, KTB is set to introduce the Home Travel Festival to attract both regional and international visitors. The initial focus will be on African markets, followed by international sources, to showcase Kenya’s culture, art, and cuisine.
Other initiatives by the KTB include the launch earlier this year of the Electronic Travel Authorization, which has simplified travel logistics and increased tourist arrivals. The Ministry of Tourism is also working with the immigration department to establish dedicated tourism police to ensure traveller safety. Tourist arrivals to Kenya reached two million in 2023, returning to pre-pandemic levels. The country aims to attract three million visitors this year.
