Africa

Kenya targets 15 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrival in 2019

Kenya is targeting 15 per cent growth in tourist arrivals from India in 2019, through various promotional activities, easy visa process and good connectivity.

As per Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) director of market development Jacinta Nzioka, 1.25 lakh Indian tourists travelled to Kenya in 2018, making the country the fifth largest source market.

Jacinta Nzioka, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Director

United States of America (USA) is the biggest tourism source market for Kenya with 2.25 lakh travellers, accounting for 11.12 per cent market share, followed by Tanzania with 10.48 per cent market share.

Uganda and United Kingdom (UK) are at the third and fourth positions recording 2.04 lakh and 1.84 lakh arrivals, respectively, and China is on sixth position with 81,709 visitors to Kenya.

Indians, who are mostly from Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmadabad, are among the highest spenders in Kenya when compared to other countries.

“KTB is collaboration with the local travel agents for affordable packages, conducting road-shows and facilitating support and access for Bollywood film makers into Kenya,” said Nzioka.

Improved air-connectivity which provides ease of aces to Kenya through the national carrier, Kenya Airways, which flies twice daily from Mumbai to Nairobi will also expected to help tourist inflow from India.

Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways etc., also offers connection flights from multiple cities of India to Kenya.

Kenyan Tourism Board is planning to focus on promoting Kenya as ‘Bleisure’ tourism center, combining leisure and business tourism for Indian travellers from the major cities.

In order to attract more Indians to the country, the visa process has been simplified. Online applications facilities are available now, which takes just 48 hours to get approved. Visa on arrival is also available now for Indians.