Kenya has been ranked as the fourth best-performing tourism destination in Africa, a recognition announced during the 2nd UN Tourism Africa and Americas Ministerial Summit held in Livingstone, Zambia. The accolade is a testament to Kenya's growing appeal and the remarkable recovery of its tourism sector in the post-pandemic era.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, speaking in Mombasa earlier this year, released the Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report for 2024, revealing impressive growth figures. According to Miano, international tourist arrivals rose by 15%, reaching 2.4 million visitors compared to 2.08 million in 2023.
“These numbers are not just statistics — they reflect the hard work, strategic investment, and innovation that have revitalized our tourism sector,” Miano said. “Our aggressive marketing campaigns, product diversification, enhanced connectivity through new flights, and adoption of digital platforms have made Kenya a competitive global destination.”
Tourism earnings also saw a sharp rise, increasing by 19.79% from KSh 377.49 billion in 2023 to KSh 452.20 billion in 2024. Domestic tourism contributed significantly to this growth, with bed-night occupancy rising by 12%, from 4.6 million in 2023 to over 5.1 million in 2024.
Cruise tourism also witnessed a remarkable upswing. In 2024, Kenya welcomed 6,561 cruise tourists — a staggering 163.5% increase from 2,490 the previous year.
The recognition at the UN Tourism Summit solidifies Kenya’s position as one of the continent’s leading tourism destinations. Looking ahead, Miano expressed confidence in the sector’s future trajectory.
“Based on current trends and our growth strategy, we remain optimistic that Kenya is on course to welcome 3 million visitors by 2025, potentially generating KSh 560 billion in tourism earnings,” she stated.
Kenya’s diverse offerings — from wildlife safaris and cultural heritage to coastal retreats and adventure experiences — continue to draw international
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