Kenya’s tourism sector witnessed a decline in visitor arrivals in September 2024. 144,996 tourists visited the country, representing a 17.2% decrease compared to the previous month.
This downturn can be attributed to several factors, including the end of summer holidays, global economic challenges like inflation, and operational disruptions caused by strikes at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
However, on a year-on-year basis, the sector demonstrated resilience with a 7.2% increase in arrivals compared to September 2023.
This positive trend results from:
- Visa Policy Relaxation: The government’s decision to ease visa restrictions for visitors from various countries contributed to the influx of tourists.
- Targeted Marketing Campaigns: The Kenya Tourism Board’s “Ziara” campaign and other marketing initiatives successfully promoted Kenya as a premier tourist destination.
- Improved Air Connectivity: Increased flight frequencies and the introduction of new routes by airlines further boosted accessibility.
- Diversified Tourism Offerings: The development of specialized tourism products, such as adventure, cultural, and sports tourism, attracted a wider range of visitors.
- Global Tourism Recovery: The recovery of the global tourism industry post-pandemic also positively impacted Kenya’s sector.
The third quarter of 2024 (Q3’2024) witnessed a 32.1% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous quarter, reaching the highest level since 2021.
However, the sector faces challenges such as rising operational costs and the impact of potential travel advisories.
