Kenya, July 12 -- Kenya's tourism industry, once the crown jewel of East African travel, is losing ground to neighbouring Tanzania and Rwanda tourism, according to a recent report by The Standard.
The decline in Kenya tourism has raised concerns among stakeholders, with the nation's iconic Maasai Mara safari and coastal attractions struggling to maintain their regional dominance.
This shift, highlighted on July 11, 2025, shows how Tanzania and Rwanda's tourism growth is reshaping East Africa's travel landscape.
Historically, Kenya was the region's tourism powerhouse, famed for attractions like the Great Migration in Kenya and vibrant Nairobi tourism.
However, the Standard notes that Kenya's tourism challenges-including high costs, security concerns, and visa policy issues-have driven tourists to Tanzania and Rwanda.
Tanzania welcomed 5.36 million visitors in 2024, surpassing its 5 million target, with Zanzibar tourism and Serengeti safari drawing global crowds.
Rwanda, with its gorilla trekking and sustainable tourism model, saw a record-breaking Fr1.9TN economic contribution in 2024, per the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The Kenya vs Tanzania tourism rivalry has intensified as Tanzania's low-density, high-quality offerings, like Ngorongoro Crater, attract high-value tourists.
Rwanda's strategic investments in eco-tourism and partnerships, such as with Arsenal Football Club, have boosted its global appeal.
Meanwhile, Kenya's tourism sector faces hurdles like perceived insecurity and recent policy changes, with people claiming President Ruto's visa-free entry system has deterred visitors, pushing Kenya to rank 47th in African tourism competitiveness.
Despite these challenges, Kenya recorded 1.95 million arrivals in 2023, a 31.5% increase from 2022, driven by Kenya safari tours and business travel, per the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Yet, Tanzania's 20% annual growth and Rwanda's 13% projected rise in 2025 highlight their edge. Kenya's hotel occupancy rose 16% in 2024, but high taxes and reliance on imports in Tanzania's resorts suggest regional challenges persist.
To counter the East African tourism competition, experts urge Kenya to enhance sustainable tourism in Kenya, improve infrastructure, and address security perceptions.
Investments in Kenya's wildlife tourism and marketing campaigns could restore its allure.
As Tanzania's tourism boom and Rwanda's tourism surge continue, Kenya must act swiftly to reclaim its status as East Africa's premier travel destination, ensuring its cultural and natural treasures remain a global draw.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.