The government expects to attract more than 2.5 million tourists annually by 2022, Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala says.
The projection represents a 72 per cent growth on the 2017 arrivals which stood at 1.45 million.
Mr Balala said the ministry will partner with private players in the tourism sector to attract more visitors.
He spoke when he officially launched the 79th Skal International congress at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa on Thursday.
“This event marks a turning point for Mombasa, as it affirms itself as a safe international destination. We are very proud as people from this beautiful coastal city, of the progress we are making and pledge to enhance our efforts to offer our clients the best visitor experience possible and great value for their money,” he said.
The CS said the tourism sector has rebounded, with increase in arrivals and revenue.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Kenya’s travel and tourism industry is responsible for 15.3 per cent of total exports and 8.9 per cent of total employment.
The WTTC predicts that the sector will continue to grow at six per cent yearly over the coming decade. From next week, TUI Poland, a mainstream tour operator in the Polish source market offering holidays worldwide, will start two direct flights from Amsterdam and Brussels to Mombasa. “Additional flights will soon be started from TUI Poland and TUI London next year. This is indeed good news for Kenya and especially our beach destinations,” Mr Balala said.
Source: businessdailyafrica.com
