The World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Study (EIR) today announced that Kenya’s travel and tourism industry will have a record year, contributing KES1 billion to the national economy in 2023.
Employment in the sector grew 6 percent to a record 1.55 million, accounting for one-thirteenth of the nation’s total employment.
Last year, domestic tourist spending exceeded 466 billion Kenyan shillings, setting a new record and nearly 15 percent higher than the previous peak, while international tourist spending was just 266 billion Kenyan shillings, below the 1999 peak.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said: “Kenya’s travel and tourism sector recovery is testament to the country’s resilience. Record growth in economic contribution, employment and domestic tourist spending all highlights the vital role the sector plays in the country’s economy.”
“Although international tourist spending is currently below peak levels, the future is bright for Kenya’s travel and tourism industry, with opportunities for significant growth and development over the next decade.”
What will this year hold?
According to the latest study from the international tourism organisation, travel and tourism is expected to contribute 1.15 trillion Kenyan shillings to the Kenyan economy, up 9 per cent from last year.
The jobs supported by the sector are projected to reach over 1.6 million, representing about 8% of employment in Kenya.
Domestic tourist spending will continue to lead the sector, expected to reach Ksh521 billion, while international tourist spending will be lower than its previous high, forecast to reach Ksh289.5 billion.
What does the next decade hold?
WTTC projects that with the right government support, the sector’s annual GDP contribution could increase to 1.7 trillion Kenyan shillings by 2034, accounting for 7.4% of the Kenyan economy and creating more than 2.2 million jobs across the country.
See all the data in the WTTC Research Hub’s Kenya Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Report.
