South African Prime Minister Patricia De Lille has revealed that Kenyans travelling to the country increased by over 94 per cent in 2023.
According to data released by the South African government, the nation recorded 37,414 Kenyan arrivals between January and December 2023.
She attributed the surge to the easing of visa regulations which was effected last year. In the new policy adopted by Cyril Ramaphosa's administration, Kenyans can stay in South Africa visa-free for 90 days.
"Zimbabwe saw an exceptional 77.5% increase in tourist arrivals, totalling 1.9 million, while Kenya recorded a 94.2% surge, reaching 37,414 arrivals for January to November 2023 compared to the same period last year.
“I am so pleased by these numbers from the rest of the African continent. We view the region as significant. Kenya’s remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by the government to simplify the visa regime earlier this year as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns," she stated.
It was also noted that air was the main mode of transportation while close to 320 Kenyans travelled to the country by road.
As reported by the South African government, the main reasons for Kenyans visiting the country were listed as; Tourism, Business and Education.
According to global economic data company, CEIC, South Africa's tourism sector generated over Ksh37 billion, a number driven by policies effected in the last 5 years that have made the nation a continental tourism giant.
Kenya anticipates achieving the same following the implementation of the Visa-free directive for the country.
According to a Henley and Partners report, Kenya's move will help improve its ranking in the passport ranking index.
There is also an expectation that the visa-free directive will also boost trade and improve Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the country.
As of January 11, Kenya had received 32,000 visa-free applications from around the globe on the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ETA).
“We have been able to generate Ksh157 Million ($1 million) in the last week. This is much-needed foreign exchange. The number of tourists coming has increased because we have made travelling to Kenya easy,” Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated.
