Kenya's Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, recently unveiled ambitious plans to elevate the country's tourism sector. Addressing the media in Nairobi, Mutua outlined targets to achieve an annual revenue of Ksh 700 billion and attract 3 million visitors by the end of 2024.
These goals are part of a strategic initiative to bolster economic growth through tourism.
In 2023, Kenya's tourism sector contributed Ksh 353 billion to the economy. Building on this momentum, Mutua emphasized the sector's resilience despite current challenges, citing high-season bookings and full occupancy in renowned attractions like Maasai Mara and Amboseli.
The government aims to surpass the 2 million visitor mark reached in 2023, setting sights on 3 million visitors by the close of 2024 and projecting further growth to 5 million visitors within the next 2-3 years.
This expansion is expected to generate numerous job opportunities, particularly benefiting the youth, who constitute 80% of the sector's workforce.
However, Mutua acknowledged existing challenges, particularly in employment stability within the sector. He underscored the importance of maintaining security and presenting a positive global image to sustain tourism growth.
Mutua emphasized that stability in tourism is not only an economic necessity but also crucial for social stability, supporting youth employment and overall prosperity.
The cabinet secretary's announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts to enhance Kenya's global tourism competitiveness and solidify its position as a premier tourist destination.
With strategic initiatives in place, including infrastructure development and marketing campaigns, Kenya aims to capitalize on its natural beauty and cultural heritage to attract more visitors and achieve substantial economic gains from tourism.
By focusing on sustainable growth and resilience, Kenya's tourism sector aims to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, driving economic development and fostering a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits the nation as a whole.
Source (https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/102313-kenya-targets-ksh-700-billion-annual-tourism-revenue-aim-3-million-visitors-2024)