Kenya expected to receive 20% more foreign guests this season
The Government of Kenya and European operator and agent source markets have come together to reinvigorate the tourism industry in the country, which is expected to gain 20% more in foreign guests during the high season from mid-July to the peak throughout December.
Officials began talks in January with top tour operators and travel agents in the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France and Spain – unveiling the new incentive program worth 1.2 billion Kenyan Shillings (~11.8 million USD) – that sees a reduction of park entry fees from $90 to $60 USD per visitor as well as a visa waiver fee for children under the age of 16 – amongst other perks.
Those traveling via Italy will have greater flight options too, with Italian charter airline Meridiana Fly, opening up flights directly to Mombasa. This will see 80% of Meridiana’s passengers flying to Mombasa instead of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, once the high season begins – and receiving a $30 USD subsidy incentive for each passenger that terminates at Moi International Airport in Mombasa. More airlines from Italy may possibly open up this option as talks continue.
This is all heavily aided by the UK Government lifting travel advisories in 2015 for coastal towns like Mombasa and Malindi.
Excellent news for Kenya – and the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. With more guests enjoying the luxuries of our environmentally-focused ecotourism partner Campi ya Kanzi, the Trust is able to directly benefit from the revenues and feed them straight back into our programs on Conservation, Education and Health.
Positive and environmentally-friendly ecotourism is a big piece of the puzzle to all conservation efforts across the globe – and of course to us here as we endeavor to #keepkenyawild.
Visit Campi ya Kanzi this year for an unforgettable adventure and an immeasurable impact on our work here in our small slice of heaven.
