Kenya is recovering sharply in the rankings of international tourists' liking, after the years of suffering from the pandemic that affected all tourist destinations around the world and favored those already strong in local tourism habit and in their citizens' ability to spend on vacations within their own country.
This is confirmed by placements in specialized travel search engines such as reservation desk, momondo and expedia, where Kenya and its places have climbed back up to the Top 100, competing with established destinations such as the unreachable Dubai, California, Thailand and placing in the African Top 10 where Morocco, South Africa and Egypt excel.
Much of this success is due, in 2022, to the safe reopening of the country, the thwarted fear of elections, and the revival of safari tourism, which has reevaluated the idea of freedom that, after two years of forced closures and difficulty in traveling, has been embodied in so many people.
So today tourism seeks destinations that can offer open spaces, idea of freedom but at the same time non-threatening and "extreme" adventures. As well as relaxation, escape from civilization and stress.
These are the characteristics that Kenya has always had and touted, now it is time to make it its strength. The new government has not put tourism among the priorities of a country now grappling with other emergencies. But certainly the numbers at the end of 2022 and the flattering start of the year must bring new reflections in the upper echelons of "income" institutions.
President William Ruto has repeatedly said that he seeks spontaneous economic aid that comes from the desire to invest in a country that has the capacity to recover, without having to take out new loans with foreign nations but rather accepting investment proposals from the World Bank.
There is a need to remember that tourism can bring in "fresh" foreign currency, that is, cash. A rare commodity in recent times that can reset inflation. It is no coincidence that after the Christmas and New Year holidays the shilling, the local currency, showed signs of awakening from the coma that has accompanied it since last August, during the elections. Now it is no longer time for promises, Kenya must rediscover hospitality and be prepared to offer services and pleasure. For it remains one of the most attractive, varied and full of charm countries in the world.