In the government’s relentless pursuit of higher tourist arrivals, Ministry of Tourism CS, Dr. Mutua along with Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, CS, Ministry of Roads and Transport, H.E Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, Mombasa County Governor and Francis Gichaba, Kenya Tourist Board Chairman, welcomed the inaugural Fly Dubai flight at Moi International Airport, Mombasa.
This direct flight from the United Arab Emirates to Mombasa, operating four weekly flights, marks a significant milestone in aviation and tourism. It serves as a vital link, injecting life and vitality into the coastal tourism sector.
To further boost tourism, CS Mutua be visiting all counties in the coming days to explore collaboration opportunities with Governors, aiming to diversify tourist attractions beyond wildlife and beaches.
Anticipating substantial tourism growth, short-stay establishments like Air BNBs will play a crucial role.
The government is in the process of developing regulations to govern this essential aspect of the sector.
The resumption of cruise travel to the coast has seen a steady increase since 2022. In 2024, the county has already welcomed two cruises at the Port of Mombasa, the latest bringing 2,220 voyagers—the largest number of cruise passengers.
Hon. Mutua underscored the need to attract even more cruise travelers in the days ahead as this will significantly contribute to the vibrant growth of the coastal tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism is devoted to shaping the direction needed to take to ensure optimal performance.
“We are putting measures in place to ensure that tourism regains its place as the number one foreign exchange earner for Kenya,” declared CS Mutua.
The government and the Ministry of Tourism acknowledges the work cut out as the country moves towards the full recovery of the tourism sector.
Kenya has the potential to attract ten times the number of tourists we receives annually, therefore there is a need to invest in the areas that matter.
“Tourists want to come to a country where things work, and my ministry will be working closely with all stakeholders in ensuring that Kenya becomes one of the must-visit country in the world. Such a move will create many jobs and reduce poverty drastically within a very short time”, Cabinet Secretary Mutua.
