Kenya’s tourism revenue hits 1.1 bln USD in H1 amid rise in visitor arrivals

NAIROBI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Kenya generated 142.5 billion shillings (around 1.11 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue during the first half (H1) of this year, assisted by a significant rise in visitor numbers, according to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Monday.
This represents an increase from 1.06 billion dollars in the same period last year, the KTB reported.
The KTB said that Kenya welcomed 1.03 million international visitors, marking a 21.3 percent increase from 847,810 visitors during the same period in 2023. Domestic tourism also saw growth, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded, about a 10 percent increase from 2.06 million bed nights in the previous year.
June Chepkemei, KTB’s chief executive officer, highlighted the tourism sector’s ongoing expansion, attributing it to collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing the visitor experience.
She said that the KTB, in partnership with tourism stakeholders, will soon launch the second phase of the Tembea Kenya campaign to attract more domestic travelers.
Tourism remains Kenya’s third-largest source of foreign exchange, with earnings rising to around 2.7 billion dollars in 2023, up from 2.07 billion dollars in 2022.
KTB also noted a rise in visits to regions beyond the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is currently at full capacity due to the wildebeest migration season. ■