Kenya is planning to engage in talks with low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet to start flying to the country, which is renowned for its beautiful beaches and exciting safaris, according to the tourism minister.
Tourism is a major contributor to Kenya’s foreign exchange, coming just after remittances and agricultural exports. Last year, the tourism sector earned the country 119.9 billion shillings (€1 billion), as reported by the Kenya Tourism Board.
In an interview in the coastal city of Mombasa, Najib Balala shared that they are working on a strategy to attract budget airlines from the UK to operate flights to Kenya. Balala mentioned that he’s looking forward to initiating discussions with Ryanair and EasyJet.
Mombasa’s airport is the second-largest in Kenya, following Nairobi’s airport. It’s a popular destination for tourists drawn to the region’s sunny climate and sandy beaches. Additionally, Kenya is well-known for its rich wildlife.
The UK, home to both Ryanair and EasyJet, is Kenya’s largest tourist market this year after the US, followed by visitors from India, China, and Germany. Balala also noted that around 16 percent of visitors are now coming from other African countries.
Kenya is expecting an 18 percent increase in tourist arrivals this year, thanks to improved security measures, better infrastructure, such as a new railway, and the expansion of global hotel brands in the country. Last year, tourist arrivals increased by 10 percent to almost 1 million, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.