Tourism sector on full recovery to pre-pandemic levels as revenge travel kicks in

The tourism sector in East Africa is witnessing a remarkable recovery following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Shazmin Manji, Chief Operating Officer of Twiga Tours, shared insights with CNBC Africa on the sector's resurgence and the promising outlook for 2024. Manji expressed optimism about the current state of the industry, highlighting the impressive growth in Kenya and the positive trend across East Africa as a whole. Looking ahead to 2024, Manji predicts another record year for the hospitality industry, provided certain variables continue to align in the sector's favor. The recovery of the tourism sector has been marked by a shift in booking trends, with travelers now making advanced bookings for 2024 and even into 2025. This shift indicates a return to pre-Covid booking patterns, with travelers seeking adventure and unique experiences in the region. The industry is also leveraging technology and innovation to attract visitors, with a focus on AI and virtual reality to showcase destinations and engage travelers both before and after their trips. The changing demographics of travelers, including a rise in younger visitors and families, are driving the need for modern technology in destination marketing. Key experiences such as safaris remain popular, but the sector is also witnessing a growing interest in wellness travel, gastronomy, city getaways, and alternative outdoor activities. The emergence of niche markets like meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) is creating new opportunities for East Africa, with countries like Rwanda and Uganda investing in state-of-the-art convention centers to attract business travelers. However, as the industry looks to capitalize on these trends and opportunities, concerns have been raised about the impact of potential increases in park fees in Kenya. While Kenya offers a premium safari experience compared to its neighbors, industry players stress the importance of managing fee hikes carefully to avoid negative repercussions on tourism competitiveness and visitor satisfaction. Manji emphasized the need for a structured approach and industry engagement in decision-making to ensure sustainable growth and continued success in the East African tourism sector.