Kenya on Monday officially opened the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference & Expo, bringing together international delegates to discuss how the tourism sector can better withstand future shocks.
The event was launched in Nairobi by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
Delegates from Jamaica, Angola, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are attending the conference, which focuses on building stronger and more adaptable tourism systems.
CS Miano said the forum highlights the importance of preparedness, noting that tourism is not only about travel but also about livelihoods, cultural exchange and economic growth, especially for women and young people.
“As we host delegates from Jamaica, Angola, South Sudan, and the DRC, our message is clear~we are stronger when we prepare together. Tourism isn’t just about travel; it’s about the millions of jobs for our women and youth and the cultural exchanges that unite us, “statement read.
She noted that Kenya’s tourism sector has made a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the country recorded 2.4 million international arrivals, with tourism earnings rising to 452.2 billion shillings.
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya is now shifting from recovery to long-term transformation, with resilience placed at the center of tourism planning.
Key focus areas include climate adaptation, regenerative tourism, digital transformation, public-private partnerships and improved access to financing for small and medium enterprises.
The conference is expected to position Kenya as a leader in tourism resilience and keep the country among the world’s top travel destinations.
