KTB expects 1.5m tourists to visit Kenya in 2017, supported by growth in international arrivals

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) chairman Jimi Kariuki and CEO Betty Radier said KTB expects visitor arrivals to Kenya to reach 1.5 million in 2017 (The Nation, 02-Sep-2017). Total visitor numbers are expected to be boosted by growth in international arrivals. Mr Kariuki said: "A number of international airlines have increased flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa following a surge in tourists visiting the country for holidays" and added: "Hotels in the coastal resort towns are at the moment receiving more international tourists following the return of charter airlines". Ms Radier commented: "Security improvement and positive image building campaigns have paid off as the international markets now have confidence in Kenya" and stated: "We have been aggressively marketing the country in traditional markets of the United Kingdom, US, Germany, Italy and France. Our efforts are paying off". Total arrivals increased 10% year-on-year to 1.3 million in 2016.