NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – The Tourism Principal Secretary, John Ololtuaa, has urged African states to join forces and champion the sustainability of tourism in the region and the continent’s competitiveness in the global arena.
Speaking at the 67th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) in Tanzania, the PS highlighted that reinforced collaboration between tourism stakeholders in the continent will be pivotal in boosting tourist arrivals and economic benefits for local communities.
The CS emphasized that the supplementation of education and skills and ensuring the safety of destinations in the region will guarantee the attainment of this goal.
Ololtuaa further stressed the need for favorable government policies to attract and facilitate sustainable and strategic investment in the sector.
Currently, Kenya is among African countries that have showcased remarkable pre-pandemic tourism recovery due to the impressive visitor numbers.
According to the former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, the country received 2 million tourists in 2023. The sector expects the number to accelerate to 3 million by the end of this year.
Last year, the sector alone contributed Sh353 billion to the country’s economy, with the sector eyeing Sh700 billion per year moving forward.
“In Kenya, we have seen the consistent entry into the market of international hotel chains — the latest being JW Marriot which opened its doors to Kenya earlier this year,” the PS stated.
“We encourage our governments to avail policies that will advantage the tourism sector in upscaling skills, tapping investment, and keeping our destinations safe,” he added.
According to the PS, the erasement of visa requirements in the country has made it much easier for travelers, especially those from other African nations, to visit.
Arrivals to Kenya from other African countries stand at 41 percent compared to 29 percent from Europe, reflecting the growing number of Africans choosing to experience destinations in the country.
