Kenya urged to improve air connectivity to unlock tourism growth

Kenya can attract more tourists, boost earnings and create jobs by improving air connectivity, attracting investment and diversifying tourism products, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Speaking in Nairobi, WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said Africa's tourism sector outperformed the global economy last year, growing by 5 percent and contributing a record $226 billion (Ksh.29 trillion) to the continent's economy.

"Africa outperformed and did better than the global average with a 5% growth. We had a historic number of $226 billion," Guevara said.

She noted that Kenya ranked fourth in Africa in international visitor spending after Egypt, Morocco and South Africa, describing the country as one of the continent's strongest tourism destinations.

While praising Kenya's progress, Guevara said the country could unlock greater growth through improved regional air links and increased investment.

"If we can increase the connectivity to Kenya, if we can develop more products, if we can bring more investments, I think that we can unlock more potential," she said.

She identified easier visa policies, seamless airport experiences, investment readiness, product diversification and stronger connectivity as key drivers of tourism growth across Africa.

"We should not be needing to go to the north to come to the south. Africa needs to have more connectivity," she added.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei said the WTTC findings affirm Kenya's tourism performance and the sector's growing economic contribution.

"We are glad to note that they have corroborated our data of 2.7 million international arrivals and over $5 billion in terms of contribution to the economy," she said.

Chepkemei noted that tourism remains a major employer, supporting jobs directly and indirectly across the economy.

"In every one tourist, we are able to register 11 jobs directly and indirectly. That goes to show that tourism and travel play a significant role in the economy," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding tourism infrastructure and attracting investment.

"A PPP model is the winning formula for tourism," she said, citing airport expansion projects and the planned Bomas International Convention Centre as key enablers of growth.

On global disruptions such as disease outbreaks and geopolitical conflicts, Chepkemei said clear communication is critical in protecting Kenya's tourism image.

"It is important for us to continue communicating that indeed there is no Ebola in Kenya," she said.

According to WTTC, global travel and tourism contributed a record $11.6 trillion to the world economy last year, accounting for 10 percent of global GDP and supporting 366 million jobs worldwide.