Kenya international tourism down, domestic tourism steps up

Since the international travel advisories cautioned tourists to Kenya in May this year, some areas have recorded a decrease in tourism revenue.

Narok County in south-west Kenya (about 270 kms from Nairobi) attracts tourists to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is the county’s main source of revenue. It is famous as a year-round destination for the Maasai people, migration of wildebeest from July to October, the ecosystem, range of resorts, and the “big cats.” Narok County recorded a 23% decrease in tourism revenue in the past month (Daily Nation, June 27, 2014).

In Mombasa County and Kilifi County, on the southern coast, international tourism revenue also slumped, but due to a conference of secondary education principals, domestic tourism revenue has helped to mitigate the downfall. From about 30% occupancy rate in hotels during the slump, this week has seen an occupancy rate at 98%-100% capacity. The Secondary School Principals Conference, held annually during the school vacation period, has boosted business in the region (Daily Nation, June 26, 2014).

Tour operators and hoteliers in Mombasa County expect revenue to improve in August during the Mombasa International Show.

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