Kenya Tourism sector is on the part of rapid recovery after the Covid19 pandemic, as the Cabinet Secretary – Hon. Peninah Malonza revealed that the sector last year international tourist arrivals for the country stood at 1,483,752 representing a 70.45% increase as compared to 2021 arrivals of 870,465.

She said the arrivals represent a 72.4% recovery towards the 2019 numbers which is above the global average recovery rate of 63%, therefore signifying Kenya is making headway on its journey towards pre-COVID-19 levels.

Malonza in an interview with news.itb.com, at the ITB Berlin 2023 trade show stated that inbound receipts for the industry grew up to $2.13 billion compared to $1.16 billion earned in 2021 which is a growth of 83%. There was also notable improvement in Kenya’s air passenger arrivals which was higher than the global average thanks to relaxed travel restrictions that allowed leisure and business travel.

She said the industry has shown great promise and resilience, and is on the right path to shake off the effects of the pandemic.

“The destination witnessed good growth in 2022 thanks to destination marketing campaigns targeting both the domestic and international markets as well as hosting of key international key events such as the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, the 9th Africities Summit, the WRC Safari Rally among others. In the same way, we have seen our source markets grow strongly.”