TBM Staff - Mumbai
Kenya is leveraging the growing demand from Indian groups and high-end travellers to increase its share in the Asian tourism market, which is currently ranked 6th among Kenya’s source markets. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), along with 12 travel trade companies, is conducting roadshows in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata to tap into this potential.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted a 12.4% growth in Indian arrivals last year, with 106,863 visitors compared to 95,038 in 2023. While wildlife safaris, especially in the Masai Mara, are popular, Kenya is now promoting diverse experiences, including honeymoon packages, adventure tourism, filming, and business conferences. Enhanced air connectivity and the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) have further boosted interest from Indian travellers.
Kenya recorded 2,253,428 total arrivals last year, reflecting a 16% growth over the previous year. CEO of Safari Trail, Rajay Thethy, emphasised the significance of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in attracting Indian groups, who typically spend up to five days in Kenya. The ETA facility has streamlined group bookings, especially for MICE.
Indigo Air, which operates daily flights from Mumbai to Nairobi, has been flying at 95% capacity over the past few months, with potential plans for increased capacity as summer approaches. Air India, with code shares on Kenya Airways, currently offers three daily flights from New Delhi and may expand its frequency during the summer. Kenya Airways also operates two daily direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi, significantly contributing to the rise in Indian visitors.
