Tourism and wildlife cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano has underscored the importance of domestic tourism as a cornerstone for Kenya’s tourism sector.
Speaking in Mombasa during the official opening of the 2025 Kenya Association of hotel keepers and caterers symposium on Thursday, CS Miano noted that tourism is the most Kenya’s vibrant economic engine that stands at the threshold of an era defined by unprecedented growth.
According to CS Miano, Kenya is expecting to welcome at least 2.5 million international visitors. This acceleration puts the country firmly on track to achieve audacious goal of 5 million visitors by 2027.
In addition, the country is aiming to increase numbers of domestic tourism, encouraging citizens to rediscover their homeland is the best way of embellishing the bedrock of industry’s stability.
Nairobi has been crowned Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination by World Travel Awards 2024.
Recently, during the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa, held in Abuja, Nigeria, Kenya clinched the prestigious seat in the United Nations Tourism Executive Council, marking a significant milestone in our global leadership in the travel industry.
“Surely, we can create a positivity culture, cheer each other up and keep off “pity-partyism” Kenyan style. Perpetual whining never yields breakthroughs” she urged
On infrastructure and connectivity, the CS announced the upcoming Kenya Airways route to Gatwick Airport in the UK, which she said would boost international arrivals.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving air access and providing affordable credit for hospitality investors to modernize tourism facilities across the country.
CS Miano also urged Kenyans to take advantage of East Africa Communities “Visit East Africa” drive as we target 300,000 Ugandan visitors in 2025 with incentives such as cross-border packages and visa-free access.
On technology, she champion Artificial Intelligence as a tool of exploring marketing to destination using AI-driven campaigns targeting Gen Z travellers, also engage visitors through virtual reality as in the Maasai Mara experience and cross-border social media influencer partnerships.