Kenya's tourism sector grew 5.9% in Q1 of 2016

Kenya's tourism sector has shown a promising growth of 5.9 percent in the first quarter of 2016, according to reports by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The sector's expansion comes amidst projections that it will continue to grow by a modest 2.9 percent for the entire year. Jimi Kariuki, Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board, recently discussed the sector's prospects in an interview with CNBC Africa's Charles Gitonga. Kariuki highlighted the positive indicators in the industry, citing a 14 percent increase in visitor numbers comparing the first six months of 2005 and 2006. He also mentioned a rise in domestic tourism, with more Kenyans exploring their own country. The chairman lauded government support for the sector and emphasized the importance of diversification to sustain growth. Focusing on product development and maintaining competitiveness, Kenya aims to position itself as not just a beach and safari destination but also an adventure hub. Kariuki revealed ongoing efforts to partner with airlines like Kenya Airways and target markets in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The initiatives aim to broaden tourism revenue streams and attract a diverse range of visitors to the nation. As Kenya strategizes to stay competitive in the global tourism landscape, the chairman underlined the significance of targeted marketing efforts and understanding both competition and benchmarks. With a proactive approach guided by government incentives and industry collaborations, Kenya is poised to capitalize on its natural beauty and cultural offerings to drive sustainable tourism growth.