Kenya Targets 50,000 Middle East Visitors as Tourism Board Ramps Up Gulf Strategy
Kenya is aiming to more than double tourist arrivals from the Middle East, setting a target of 50,000 visitors against the 20,480 recorded in the 2025/26 financial year. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei, speaking on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, outlined a strategy built around air connectivity, targeted marketing and investment attraction. Israel, Yemen and Iran currently account for 48% of Middle East arrivals, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia contribute 10% and 7% respectively. Emirates operates three daily flights between Dubai and Nairobi, with flydubai, Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways providing additional connectivity to the Gulf.
Beyond visitor numbers, KTB is positioning the UAE as a strategic investment market, with Kenya's Ambassador Kenneth Milimo Nganga calling for stronger airline partnerships and reduced bureaucratic barriers to unlock Emirati investment in hotels, resorts, wellness facilities and family entertainment infrastructure. KTB is also working with UN Tourism to identify investment opportunities and will engage travel agents through training and joint marketing activities. The board's "One Diaspora, One Visitor" initiative - which encourages Kenyans abroad to bring at least one visitor to the country - will be activated through a Diaspora Open Day scheduled for 10 October, targeting the Kenyan community across the UAE and wider Middle East.
Source: Capital FM Africa
