KATA AGM Calls for Open Skies as Kenya Targets 5 Million Arrivals by 2027
Kenya's travel and tourism leaders have called for the liberalisation of air access to help the country meet its goal of five million international arrivals by 2027. Speaking at the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) Annual General Meeting in Mombasa, KATA chairman Joseph Kithitu cited a 15% rise in international arrivals in 2024, totalling 2.4 million visitors. Tourism revenue also rose to KES 452 billion, up from KES 377 billion in 2023. Attended by over 300 regional and international stakeholders, the convention reinforced travel agents' call for greater government support and regulatory alignment to unlock growth.
Stakeholders stressed the economic impact of tourism and aviation, with the sectors contributing $1.2 billion to GDP and supporting over 240,000 jobs in Kenya. Aviation officials highlighted infrastructure investment and increased flight connectivity as essential, including Kenya Airways’ new service to London Gatwick launching in July. Meanwhile, concerns were raised over regulatory pressures, rising foreign competition, and a skills mismatch in travel education. Calls were also made to engage youth in the sector and address industry disruptions like next-generation airline retailing systems.
Source: The Standard