23/07/2025
WHY IS KENYA LOSING THE TOURISTS TO NEIGHOURING COUNTRIES?
In 2025, Kenya was poised to receive up to 3 million visitors as per the projection of the ministry of tourism and industry players. However, it is end of July and the numbers are not being realized and what we are realizing is that we are losing tourists to neighboring Tanzania whose tourism product is similar to Kenya's. in the period ending May 2025, Tanzania's Tourism had brought in 3.92 billion USD in revenue, and this is set to rise at the close of the year.
Are our woes as result of self-inflicted wounds or external factors beyond our control?
Introduction of seasonal park fees which are 100% hiked compound to problem of reduced traffic of tourists into maasai mara. Maasai mara feeds other destination in Kenya with tourists and when the cost of visiting is hiked 100%, then your guess is good as mine. incessant unrest and high political temperatures is not doing us any good either. Perception of insecurity is cemented when news splash demonstrations all over the world and fears of insecurity continue to grow. Tour guides who have invested a lot in terms of training, statutory licenses and transport are barely working and making any living. Tour operators are crying unfair trading grounds due to competitions from hoteliers who want to sell direct and undercut them, OTAs are increasing in the digital space and leveraging on AI Technolgy to win business.
Join the conversation
Tour Operators Society Of Kenya - TOSK
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife - Kenya
MagicalKenya
Mohammed Hersi
