The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) on Tuesday said the country generated $7.5 billion from tourism activities in 2023.

Josephine Mbela, assistant deputy director of the Domestic and Africa, KTB, disclosed this during the 20th AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market in Lagos.

Ms Mbela said the tourism industry contributed 7.5 per cent to Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, as 32,000 tourists visited the country within the period under review.

She said that, in 2024, KTB targeted growing tourism receipts by 10 per cent.

“For 2023, we accommodated 32,000 visitors into Kenya. The country generated $7.5 billion the same year and going forward, we want to have about 10 per cent increase.

“They came for Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Experience (MICE); some also came for education and medical tourism.

“Tourism is our number two source market after agriculture. We decided to come to AKWAABA in Nigeria because Nigeria is one of our key markets and one market that we want to grow numbers into Kenya,” the Kenyan representative stated.

Ms Mbela added, “This year we are focusing on attracting at least 50,000 Nigerians to visit Kenya, not only for the holiday or safari that we are known for, but also for honeymoon, adventure, vacation and family destination.

“The projection this time is to grow tourism receipts by ten per cent. We used to invest a lot in the European and American markets, but right now, this financial year, we are focusing on Africa and we have put a lot of strategies and campaigns to attract Africans.”

Speaking on visa procurement to visit Kenya, Mbela said, “Once you apply online within 72 hours, you will be able to get approval and you will receive your stamp on arrival. It is very easy now. It is not as complicated.”

(NAN)