Kenya is projecting a significant increase in tourist arrivals from India this year, with ambitious plans to boost visitor numbers by 20%.
This follows successful promotional campaigns across major Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata, culminating in a strong presence at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai.
“All indications point to a significant increase in visitor arrivals from India by the close of 2025,” said Fred Kaigwa, CEO of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO).
The Kenyan Tourism Board (KTB) spearheads a two-month joint sales campaign with key Indian travel partners, including SOTC Travel, Make My Trip, and Ease My Trip, to further enhance Kenya’s appeal to Indian travellers.
This campaign will focus on showcasing the diversity of Kenyan destinations beyond the popular Maasai Mara, highlighting attractions such as the Kenyan coast, Amboseli, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and Aberdares.
Key Drivers of Growth
- Successful promotional campaigns: targeted roadshows and participation in travel fairs like OTM have effectively promoted Kenya as a top travel destination in India.
- Strong Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with key players like KATO and leading Indian travel agencies are crucial for driving growth.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The codeshare agreement between Kenya Airways and Air India facilitates seamless travel between India and Kenya, improving accessibility for Indian travellers. Under the agreement, Air India adds its ‘AI’ code to Kenya Airways’ two daily Mumbai-Nairobi flights. This codeshare provides access to Air India’s network, connecting passengers to Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Malé, Melbourne, and Singapore via onward flights from Mumbai.
Kenya Airways reciprocates by placing its ‘KQ’ code on Air India’s daily Delhi-Nairobi route. This arrangement allows Kenya Airways to extend its reach, connecting African passengers to Delhi and onward destinations from Delhi through Nairobi.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Competition from Neighboring Countries: Kenya faces competition from neighbouring countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Africa, which are promoting their tourism offerings.
- Addressing Travel Advisories: Occasional travel advisories issued by countries like China and the United States can negatively impact tourist arrivals.
Outlook
- Positive Growth Forecast: Cytonn Investments maintains a positive outlook for the hospitality sector, driven by aggressive marketing campaigns, strong international recognition, and strategic partnerships.
- Focus on Diversification: Efforts are underway to diversify tourism offerings beyond traditional safari experiences, showcasing Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and adventure tourism opportunities.
