NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 9 – Kenya’s international tourism arrivals from the beginning of the year to August remained way below 2019 levels as Covid-19 effects continue to linger, new data shows.
According to the data compiled by the Tourism Research Institute (TRI), the country recorded 924,812 international tourists from January to August, 31 per cent lower than 1,345,859 recorded in the same period in 2019.
Even so, the numbers recorded represent a 91 per cent growth compared to 483, 246 international tourists recorded in the same period in 2021.
“The numbers are still not where we want them to be, but we are optimistic that we shall soon go back to our all-time high international visitor arrivals recorded in 2019, and even surpass it. This is because Covid-19 is contained and international travelers are now fully confident to travel.,” said Tourism CS Najib Balala.
According to Balala, full recovery of arrivals to 2019 levels is expected in 2024, however, earnings could surpass 2019 figures by 2023.
During the period between January to August 2022, innovative products and marketing efforts were increased to ensure that the destination’s offerings remained competitive among both domestic and international visitors.
The destination continued to host international events that include the Magical Kenya Open and The Magical Kenya Ladies open which came back after a 2-year break.
The WRC – Safari Rally which commenced in 2021 after a 19-year hiatus also returned in 2022 resulting in more arrivals.
Out of the 924,812 international arrivals, 313,466 were on holiday, 274,722 visiting family or friends, 258,889 for business and Meetings, Incentives, Exhibitions, and Conferences (MICE)- 43883 on transit, 16,196 for education, with the rest coming in for other purposes including religion, and sports.
The top 5 international arrivals by country are USA at 15 per cent, Uganda 9 per cent, United Kingdom 9 per cent, Tanzania 8 per cent, and India 6 per cent.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport remains the major point of entry with 681,811, Moi International Airport recorded 40,355 arrivals with other airports showing a significant increase in arrivals.
