Kenya is a beautiful country located in East Africa that attracts a significant number of tourists every year. The country boasts of diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences that make it an ideal destination for tourists from across the world.
But have you ever wondered how much money tourism brings to Kenya’s economy? In this article, we will explore the impact of tourism on Kenya’s economy and the numbers behind it.
Kenya’s Tourism Industry
Tourism is one of the most significant contributors to Kenya’s economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the total contribution of travel and tourism to Kenya’s GDP was KES 790.2bn (USD 7.8bn) in 2019, which is equivalent to 8.5% of the country’s GDP. The sector also provides employment opportunities for over 1 million people, which is approximately 9% of the country’s total employment.
The Economic Impact of Tourism in Kenya
Tourism plays a crucial role in Kenya’s economic growth as it generates foreign exchange earnings that help to finance imports and stabilize the exchange rate. In addition, tourism contributes significantly to government revenue through taxes and levies charged on various tourism-related activities such as accommodation, transportation, and park fees.
The Kenyan government has been putting measures in place aimed at boosting tourism by creating a conducive environment for tourists through infrastructural development, marketing campaigns, and improvement of security measures.
- Infrastructural Development: The government has been investing heavily in building new airports, improving roads leading to national parks and other tourist sites, constructing modern hotels and resorts among other infrastructural projects.
- Marketing Campaigns: The Ministry of Tourism has been running various marketing campaigns Targeting different markets globally aimed at showcasing Kenya’s unique attractions such as wildlife safaris, beach tourism, and cultural experiences.
- Improved Security Measures: The government has been working closely with security agencies to ensure that tourists are safe while in the country. This has led to a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Kenya over the years.
The Numbers Behind Tourism in Kenya
The Kenyan tourism industry has been experiencing steady growth over the years. In 2019, the country received over 2 million international visitors compared to 1.4 million in 2010. The majority of these visitors were from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and China.
Kenya’s tourism industry generated KES 163.6bn (USD 1.6bn) in direct contribution to GDP in 2019, which was equivalent to 1.7% of total GDP. The sector also supported approximately 1 million jobs directly and indirectly.
In terms of foreign exchange earnings, Kenya earned KES 163bn (USD 1.6bn) from tourism in 2019 compared to KES 157bn (USD 1.5bn) in 2018.
Conclusion
Tourism is a vital sector in Kenya’s economy that contributes significantly to GDP growth and employment opportunities for its people. With continued investment in infrastructural development, marketing campaigns and improved security measures among other initiatives, Kenya’s tourism industry is poised for sustained growth and increased economic impact.
Whether you are looking for a thrilling wildlife experience or simply want to relax on some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches while enjoying unique cultural experiences, Kenya has something for everyone!