Tourism revenue rose by 80 pc in 2023- Government

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has increased its revenue generation by 80 per cent,  government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said.

Addressing the media on Thursday, January 18, Mwaura attributed the 80 percent increase in revenue to holistic marketing approaches and the free visa restriction directive by President William Ruto.

“[There was] an increase in tourism arrivals to 1.75 million in 2023 from 1,48 million in 2022 marking an increase of 18.4 per cent attributable to the increase in tourism receipts over holistic marketing and ease of travel restrictions across the world,” said Mwaura.

Additionally, Mwaura stated that those who visited the parks increased from 2.18 million to 2.94 million clients, a 35 per cent increase.

“This was as a result of several campaigns undertaken including Zuru Kenya Parks, Enjoy Mali Yako and other joint marketing campaigns spearheaded by the ministry,” he said.

Mwaura further noted that the government had increased its revenue collection by 90 per cent after all park entry services were moved to the e-citizen platform.

The renovation of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to modern standards was also mentioned as one of the milestones by the government.

“The refurbishment saw KICC tower host 14,090 international delegates up from only 550 delegates in 2022 over the facelift that increased the centre’s competitiveness,” he said.