- Domestic tourism refers to travel and tourism activities that take place within a person's own country or local area.
- The Government and private sector have launched campaigns to encourage Kenyans to travel and explore their own country.
Image: FILE
Kenya is known for its diverse wildlife, natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The perfect hub for both local and international tourism.
Domestic tourism refers to travel and tourism activities that take place within a person's own country or local area.
This type of tourism promotes economic development in a community, generates revenue, and creates jobs within the local tourism industry.
The tourism sector in Kenya took a huge blow during the Covid-19 Pandemic recording one of the lowest numbers in tourism income generation.
Over the years there has been a steady incline in the number of tourists both locally and internationally, and this has led to the tourism sector becoming one of the major income generators.
There are factors that have led to the spike in domestic tourism, and some of them are:
Promotion of local tourism
The Government and private sector have launched campaigns to encourage Kenyans to travel and explore their own country.
These campaigns have included discounted packages and special offers to make domestic tourism more affordable.
Diverse attractions
Kenya is home to a wide range of natural and cultural attractions, including national parks, beaches, historical sites, and cultural festivals.
This diversity has helped to attract a growing number of domestic tourists looking for new and unique experiences.
Safety and Security
Where there is safety, tourism thrives. Kenya has made significant improvements in security in recent years, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
This has helped to reassure local travelers who may have previously been hesitant to travel within the country.
Improved infrastructure
The government of Kenya has invested heavily in upgrading roads, airports, and other transport infrastructure, making it easier for domestic travelers to explore different parts of the country.
Whether one is heading to the coast or the highlands, the journey is sure to be smooth.
In 2022, Kenyan citizens accounted for 1,660,169 of the total 2,179,125 National park visits, compared to 690,360 visits out of the total 913052.
This is according to the Tourism sector performance report 2022 page 37.
Domestic tourism has emerged as a significant trend, bringing much-needed revenue as well as offering an opportunity for locals to enjoy the top-notch destinations that the country has to offer.