Kenya is known across the globe as a tourist destination due to different factors such as exotic cultures, wildlife and the sandy beaches.
Over the years, tourists have flocked the country contributing to the growth in the tourism sector, creation of jobs and boosting the economy.
However, on Sunday, March 24, Kenya was listed among ten countries across the world which are rushing to attract as many tourists as possible. This list was created by Watoday, a news site from Australia.
Other countries listed were Taiwan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, Peru, Albania, Rwanda, the United States, and Japan.
These countries were listed due to factors such as limited resources, keeping up with neighbours, a large number of young people, developing tourism sector and cultural sites among others.
Kenya made it to the list because of the severe effects of the pandemic especially in the tourism sector. An increase in tourists would create more jobs and grow the economy.
"Tourism is vital to the Kenyan economy. It helps out not only with employment but also in the upkeep and long-term survival of Kenya’s game parks and animal protection programs," read part of the analysis.
Kenya has a wide range of tourist sites including; the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Mt Kenya, Lake Nakuru, islands, and beaches where thousands of tourists flock annually.
Some other tourist attraction sites include Lake Turkana National Park which is rich in ancient fossils. The Kenyan administration has been selling this as a tourist attraction by labelling Turkana as the cradle of humanity.
"Kenya is the cradle of humankind. That is where we all came from, come invest back home," President William Ruto stated in September 2023.
One of the measures the government has taken to boost tourism is the removal of visa restrictions for all global citizens.
This announcement made by President Ruto has seen foreigners jet into the country to enjoy the breathtaking sites and interact with different cultures.
Anyone seeking to travel to Kenya will be required to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Per the government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura the tourism revenue is anticipated to increase by 200 per cent.
