The tourism sector continues to record steady growth following the arrival of the second cruise ship this year, Azamara Journey, which docked at the Port of Mombasa carrying more than 639 tourists and over 300 crew members from various countries.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano officially received the vessel, saying the increasing cruise calls reflect rising confidence among international travellers and the government’s push to strengthen cruise tourism as part of the wider economic agenda.
Speaking during the reception, Miano said cruise tourism plays a critical role in boosting visitor numbers, noting that a single vessel delivers between 600 and over 1,000 tourists at once.
She said the government targets to grow international tourist arrivals from 2.4 million recorded in 2024 to 5.5 million by the 2027 to 2028 period, while increasing tourism earnings from Sh452 billion to Sh1 trillion.
CS Miano attributed the growth to key policy interventions by President William Ruto’s administration, including visa openness through the Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
In December, Kenya ranked third in Africa for visa openness, marking significant progress in easing entry requirements for international travellers.
“The President has supported the tourism sector through various interventions, including infrastructure development, improved roads, port facilities, and airports.
The open skies policy has attracted more airlines to Mombasa and Nairobi, giving visitors better access,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasised government efforts to diversify tourism products beyond traditional wildlife safaris and coastal attractions to include culture, adventure sports, and technology-based experiences.
“We have beautiful landscapes and hospitable people. We witnessed this when Kenyans welcomed world-renowned content creator IShowSpeed, real name Darren Jason Watkins, demonstrating our spirit of hospitality. Kenya enjoys good weather throughout the year, and we want to make it an all-year-round destination,” CS Miano added.
She noted the government will prioritize attracting investments in hospitality facilities across the country, including coastal areas and national parks, to accommodate the rising visitor numbers.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto confirmed Azamara Journey would make four calls to Mombasa this year, with the vessel staying overnight to allow passengers extended time to explore the city.
“This ship is making its maiden voyage to Mombasa. The most important thing is that it will make an overnight stay, allowing 663 passengers and 338 crew to enjoy our city. As KPA, we support the government and appreciate the commitment shown to cruise tourism,” said Captain Ruto.
He revealed that by March/April, Mombasa will have received 10 cruise ships. Another vessel carrying over 1,000 passengers is expected to dock on Wednesday for a day visit.
“This week alone, Mombasa will handle more than 2,000 tourists who will visit various sites across the country. We want to thank Magical Kenya and tour agents for their effective marketing campaigns that have attracted more cruise ships to our port,” he said.
KPA has been working closely with the Kenya Tourism Board, known by its brand Magical Kenya, to promote cruise tourism and position Mombasa as a strategic destination for international cruise liners. The partnership has resulted in increased vessel calls and extended stays, boosting local economies.
Mohammed Hersi, Director of Operations at Pollmans Tours and Safaris, said his company is handling safaris for the Azamara Journey passengers, with close to 300 tourists taking city tours, 250 heading to Tsavo East National Park, and others flying to Maasai Mara and Amboseli.
“Cruise tourism benefits not just Mombasa but also other counties like Narok, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado. A good part of the country benefits from this sector, and we look forward to many more cruise ships calling at our port,” said Hersi.
Azamara Journey Captain Antonio Toledo expressed excitement about exploring Kenya. “It is a pleasure to come to Mombasa, and all our guests and crew are very excited to explore this beautiful country. I hope this is the first call of many visits by our ships to this beautiful country,” he said.
Mombasa County CECM for Tourism, Culture and Trade Mohamed Osman Ali commended the Cabinet Secretary for implementing direct flight routes, including a recent service from Hungary.
“It looks like our target of 5 million visitors by 2027 will be achieved before 2027. We have seen what you have done with the direct flights, and we congratulate you,” said Ali.
Lilian Okerio, Assistant Secretary of the Mombasa Port Curio Sellers Association, said the arrival of cruise ships has boosted business for local traders.
“The year has started very well with two cruise ships, and it has been a great success for us. It boosts the tourism industry and the economy at large. Tourists love kitenge clothes, animal carvings, and cultural items. We have a variety of products, and our visitors are happy,” said Okerio.
She added that improved business enables traders to provide for their families and pay school fees, especially during the school opening season.
“We thank Magical Kenya and other stakeholders for marketing our country. We urge them to do more so we can have at least one cruise ship each month,” Okerio said.
The Kenya Tourism Board’s Magical Kenya brand has intensified destination marketing efforts targeting the cruise tourism segment, showcasing Kenya’s diverse attractions to international cruise lines and travel operators.
These initiatives, combined with improved port facilities and visa reforms, have contributed to the steady increase in cruise ship arrivals at Mombasa Port.
By Sitati Reagan
