Tourism
From The Report: Kenya 2014
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Kenya has long been a popular tourist destination and the sector continues to be a critical industry for the country, although it has taken a number of serious knocks recently amid insecurity and travel advisories issued by several Western nations. Tourism directly accounted for 4.8% of GDP in 2013, or $2.09bn, with a total contribution to GDP of 12.1%, or $5.28bn. These contributions are forecast to rise by 2.9% and 3.1%, respectively, in 2014. The sector directly supported 226,500 jobs – 4.1% of total employment – in 2013. Tourism’s total contribution to employment was 10.6%, creating 589,500 jobs. While it is unlikely that international tourists from traditional markets will return to 2011 levels until confidence in security increases, the sector’s marketing efforts should replace some traffic. Kenyans reliant on tourism are likely to suffer in the short term, but a transition to business travel and domestic tourism may mitigate these external shocks.

This chapter contains interviews with Phyllis Kandie, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism (MoEAACT); and Martin Dunford, Chairman, Tamarind Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

With ongoing weak demand from traditional markets, sector authorities are looking to new niches
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With its Indian Ocean beaches, abundant wildlife and vibrant cultural heritage, Kenya has long been a popular tourist destination. Tourism continues to be a critical industry for the country, although it has taken a number of serious knocks recently amid insecurity and travel advisories issued by several Western nations. However, the sector’s long-term fundamentals remain extremely attractive and Kenya’s tourism and hospitality operators are well placed for growth in the medium term. Regional…

Analysis

A single visa solution: The East African Community eases travellers’ movement in the region
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As part of a wider commitment to deepening East African cooperation, Kenya joined Uganda and Rwanda in 2014 in creating a single tourism visa regime for the region. Officially launched in the Ugandan capital of Kampala on February 20, the immediate effect of the combined visa is to reduce the cost of visiting the trio to $100, compared to $150 for the three separate visas. The single visa – which allows foreigners multiple entries into the three states for a period of 90 days – will also streamline…

Interview

OBG talks to Phyllis Kandie, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism
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Interview:Phyllis Kandie What specific measures can be taken to improve the overall performance of the tourism sector? PHYLLIS KANDIE: Currently we are in the process of executing a major recovery programme that is geared towards turning around the image and perception of Kenya among potential visitors and, subsequently, the fortunes of the tourism sector. Central to this strategy is the recent creation of the Tourism Recovery Task Force and the setting up of a Crisis Management Committee…

Interview

OBG talks to Martin Dunford, Chairman, Tamarind Group
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Interview:Martin Dunford In light of recent security threats, what can be done to expand or insulate the tourism market? MARTIN DUNFORD: It is unfortunate that several countries have issued travel warnings over the last few months. The reality is that no tourists have been affected by any recent security incidents. The game parks and beaches are safe. Even if there were an incident, the chances of it affecting a particular individual would be tiny, and a risk not worth worrying about. Kenya…