Kenya is welcoming Indian tourists into the destination to sample the unique Kenyan tourism products in 2021.
As a key source market, Kenya is banking on India to boost its international tourism numbers during the year. Official statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife indicate that Kenya registered a total of 122,649 travellers from the Indian market in 2019. In 2020, statistics for the period between January to October, the total number of tourist arrivals into Kenya from India was 25,251. The decline is attributed to the travel restrictions imposed by both Kenya and India as part of the measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As travel picks up in 2021, Kenya sees the Indian market as key to the revival of tourism going forward. According to the Dr. Betty Radier, CEO, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), said, “Kenya is blessed with many tourism offerings that excite travelers from across the globe. The Indian market is one that has continued to uptake our tourism offerings for many years. Kenya and India continue to have cordial relations especially because both countries are bound by both history and culture. It is certainly not by mistake that India has been one of our key source markets.”
Kenya is known for its remarkably picturesque tourist attractions and unparalleled safari experiences; with national parks and game reserves, making the country a premier destination for wildlife and adventure seekers. Alongside being a leader in wildlife and rustic experiences, Kenya also has exciting attractions in authentic African cuisine, exotic cultures, breathtaking beaches, and even spectacular cityscape.
Some of the popularly known parks and reserves include the Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, the Nairobi National Park which is the only park within a capital city and the Maasai Mara National Reserve which is popular for the annual natural wildlife phenomenon of the Wildebeest Migration.
Dr. Radier further assured tourists from India of their safety while in the destination. She said, “I would like to assure you that Magical Kenya is safe and ready to welcome you back. We have in place Tourism and hospitality protocols within the hotels, and tourism attractions and experiences as well as our airports to ensure everyone’s safety while travelling.”
As part of the health and safety protocols, passengers traveling to Kenya are required to undertake a COVID-19 test at least 72 hours to their departure and further produce the physical copies of the same on arrival. The Yellow fever vaccine continues to be a mandate for each Indian traveler visiting Kenya across all age groups; travelers would thus need to possess a valid vaccine card upon their arrival into Kenya.
On the same note, visa applications are to be done online and incur a charge of US$50. Applications can be submitted through the www.ecitizen.go.ke. At present, there are scheduled direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi by Kenya Airways three times a week. The travel time from Mumbai to Nairobi on a direct flight is approximately six hours which makes it an even more worthwhile choice for travellers who are planning an immediate outbound travel.
