What role does tourism play in the Kenyan economy?
The tourism sector in Kenya has continued to play an important role in the country’s economic development through its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP – 12.5%), foreign exchange earnings (KSHS. 49Billion), employment (Informal: 3.7Million, Formal: 175,000) and poverty reduction, becoming the leading foreign exchange earner.
In the last three years, visitor arrivals to Kenya have almost doubled. In 2005, we received 1,670,429 tourists compared to 1,358,134 in 2004 – a 23% increase over 2004.
Kenya is known as a BEACH and SAFARI destination. Are there new products being developed to compliment these core products?
The Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife is diversifying the product offering by developing new products and tourist circuits in areas that are not visited by tourists. So far, four new tourist circuits have been opened in Western Kenya, North Rift, Mt. Kenya and Tana River.
What message can you give the people of our country to encourage them to visit Kenya regarding the price structure of the tourism product?
A tradition that binds all Kenyans is that of welcoming visitors into our homes. Our language Swahili is the only one in the world that does not have the word for “Stranger”. In Kenya, Everyone is a “Mgeni” – visitor. I strongly urge you to come and see for yourself. You certainly won’t be disappointed by the superb standard of our ACCOMMODATION , the amazing quality of our cuisine and the warmth of our welcome.

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