The Ministry of Tourism has incurred a growth of 53.29 per cent in the number of international visitor arrivals in Kenya 2021 compared to 2020.
According to data released yesterday by the Tourism Research Institute (TRI), it stood at 870,465, as compared to 567,848 in 2020.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Najib Balala said the positive outlook was informed by increased vaccination across the country.
“The numbers are still low, but we are optimistic that we will eventually go back to our all-time high international visitor arrivals that is 2019, or even surpass it. This is because the majority of our masses are vaccinated and international visitors will have faith in our destination again,” he said
The Performance was however undermined by the upsurge of the Delta variant of Covid-19 during the first quarter but registered steady growth from June to December.
“This is an indication of a steadily growing trust for the Magical Kenya destination, which can be credited to renewed marketing efforts as well as confidence in the country’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19,” TRI stated.
The growth was also supported by innovative products offered to both domestic and international markets by major players mainly hotels and domestic airlines.
Hosting of major sporting events, specifically the WRC – Safari Rally and the World Athletics Under 20 was a huge contribution to rebuild confidence in destination Kenya.
The 34.76 per cent increase translated to Sh146 billion ($ 1.46 billion) in revenue, as compared to Sh88 billion ($885 million) in 2020, indicating that there is an upward trajectory.
“The numbers are still low, but we are optimistic that we will eventually go back to our all-time high international visitor arrivals that is 2019, or even surpass it,” TRI stated.
