Travel and Tourism Contributed Sh1tn to Economy
By THE DISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER
The travel and tourism industry in Kenya contributed an unprecedented Sh1 trillion to the country’s economy last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Report.
Employment within the sector surged by six per cent, reaching an all-time high of 1.55 million jobs, equivalent to one out of every 13 jobs nationwide.
Domestic tourism expenditures soared to over Sh466 billion last year, marking an increase of nearly 15 per cent from its previous high and establishing a new record, although international visitor spending has yet to surpass the peak of 1999, reaching just KES 266BN.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “The recovery of Kenya’s Travel & Tourism sector is a testament to its resilience. Achieving record-breaking growth across economic contribution, jobs, and domestic visitor spending highlights the sector’s vital role in the nation’s economy.
The latest findings by the global tourism organization predict a nine per cent annual growth for the sector, potentially raising its economic contribution to nearly Sh1.15 trillion.
The number of jobs the sector supports is expected to exceed 1.6 million, accounting for about eight per cent of all jobs in Kenya.
Spending by domestic tourists is anticipated to propel the industry forward, potentially reaching Sh521 billion. However, international visitor spending is projected to stay below its previous maximum, at an estimated Sh289.5 billion.
With appropriate government backing, the WTTC projects that by 2034, the sector could expand its contribution to Kenya’s GDP to Sh1.7 trillion, which would represent 7.4 per cent of the national economy, and potentially support over 2.2 million jobs across the country.
