Future bright for Kenya and its tourist industry

The smooth and peaceful resolution of the recent presidential election in Kenya has been strongly welcomed both by the Kenyan people and the international community – and comes as a welcome shot of optimism for the country’s tourism trade.

Following the disputed outcome of last month’s election, the Supreme Court in Nairobi has upheld the result, meaning that Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn into office as President on 9 April. The peaceful acceptance of this decision and the acknowledgement that the election process has been free and fair have attracted sweeping praise of Kenya’s handling of the process. There has been no repeat of the unrest which surrounded the 2007 election, prompting quiet celebration about the country’s developing democratic maturity.

The news has positive implications for tourism in Kenya. Clearly, a secure and progressive political climate creates the right conditions for sustaining a stable tourist industry, and to promote confidence throughout the international community about choosing Kenya as a holiday destination.

But further to this, the choice of incoming president can be regarded as a particular source of optimism for those of us involved in tourism. Kenyatta has previously worked as Chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board, so is closely attuned to the needs of the sector. He has also expressed a keen awareness of the need to protect Kenya’s natural environment, including its threatened wildlife.

In this new chapter for Kenya, we are hopeful that we can continue to grow as a progressive and maturing nation – and also to look forward to a system of governance which safeguards our phenomenal natural assets and cements Kenya's place as one of the world’s most attractive and welcoming places to visit.

Growth last year for Kenyan tourism

Figures just released by the Kenyan tourism indicate that 2011 saw the number of tourists coming to Kenya by air rise to 1.26 million, an increase of 15.4% on the 2010 figure. This result marks a third consecutive year of increases in visitors to the country.

The ministry attributes the success of the tourist sector to an extensive marketing campaign and also to the opening of new upmarket lodges, camps and beach resorts during the year.

The highest number of visitors arrived from the UK, a longstanding leading source of holiday-makers to Kenya. It was followed by the US, Italy, Germany and India. Kenya is hoping to attract increasing numbers of visitors from markets such as the Czech Republic, Russia and China over coming years to boost growth further.

The year’s tourism success comes despite a number of challenges in 2011, including social tension in neighbouring Somalia, economic problems in the Eurozone and fears about the possibility of another global recession. Kenya’s success in achieving healthy visitor numbers is seen as a testament to the quality of its tourist assets and its commitment to tourism development.

A new high for Kenyan tourism

Last year saw a record number of foreign tourists visiting Kenya, bolstering the country’s position as one of Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. Arrivals by sea and air in 2010 totalled over 1.1 million, a 15% increase on the previous year.

Kenya offers an irresistible mix of wildlife and scenery

The largest source of visitors to Kenya in 2010 was the UK, which accounted for 11% of tourists. Next on the list of visitors was the US, followed by Italy, Germany and France. Big increases were seen in the number of tourists from India, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Prior to 2010, the year in which the most visitors had come to Kenya was 2007. The country’s tourist industry subsequently suffered as the political unrest at the end of 2007, despite having largely no impact in tourist areas, put off potential visitors. The international economic crisis has also played a part in dampening the recovery in tourist numbers.

But last year’s impressive figures indicate that Kenya’s popularity is back on the rise. The Kenya Tourist Board has attributed the country’s upturn in part to the quality of its offering to luxury markets.

And we’re inclined to agree. With some of the world’s most comfortable and stylish accommodation, and an astonishing concentration of beautiful wildlife, landscape and culture, it’s no surprise that Kenya is a favourite for people seeking a high-quality holiday experience.