The number of tourists visiting Kenya has been increasing albeit 100,000 shy of the pre-Covid numbers of 2.05 million visitors recorded in 2019.

From January to October, there were 1.6 million visitors, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022, which recorded 1.2 million tourists. The 2023 figures represent a 93 per cent recovery level compared to 2019 and against the global average of 84 per cent.

Even as much as this progress is praiseworthy, more needs to be done if the country is to realise the 5.5 million tourist visits target by 2028.

It is time the Ministry of Tourism and other industry players, such as Kenya Tourism Board, explored development and marketing of fresh tourism avenues that will attract more visitors to create new revenue streams.

Former CS for Tourism Najib Balala was categorical about this and had embarked on a series of activities to promote adventure tourism, mountaineering and hiking experiences as part of the sector’s diversification and recovery strategy.

Leveraging on these niche segments is made possible by the diverse opportunities and attractions found across Kenya as a destination.

Another key pillar in shoring the tourism numbers up is getting national carrier Kenya Airways’ act together.

Something has to give at KQ to restore it former glory. KQ has made a name for itself in Africa as home of delayed flights, lost and damaged baggage and old aircraft whose interiors are a turnoff.

It is embarrassing to have broken seats inflight an international carrier and no visitor seeking holiday and enjoyment will want to fly in such an environment.

In the same breath, the government ought to rethink and fully embrace open skies policy by reconsidering the rights it withdrew for a number of carriers such as Turkish and Qatar Airways that flew directly to Mombasa.

Open skies policy in civil aviation eases international airlines’ access to national airports to increase the flow of tourists and develop their potential as regional air hubs.

The recent approval of Fly Dubai to start direct flights to Mombasa is laudable and the implementation of visa-free policy will encourage more partnerships in the aviation industry resulting in increased tourist arrivals.