The launch of Kenya Airways’ direct non-stop flight between Dubai-Mombasa touched down at the Moi International Airport, Mombasa at 11. 20 am last week on Friday morning. To celebrate the occasion, the national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) hosted tourism and travel stakeholders at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai.

Tourism is one of the largest and strongest pillars of Kenya’s economy contributing 10.4% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 990,000 jobs.

In 2021, the country received close to 11,000 tourists from the Middle East, an increase from previous years. To harness this region and position Kenya for in-bound arrivals from United Arab Emirates (UAE) market both for leisure and business opportunities, the direct flight has been commenced.

The new route will not only position Mombasa as an important global tourism hub, but also reduce the travel time considerably thereby making Kenya the most attractive destination for Middle East holiday seekers. Notably, Mombasa and adjacent townships receive over one third of international tourist arrivals to Kenya.

Earlier on, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu said, ” As players within the industry, we want to ensure our tourism hubs attract more international travelers and the Mombasa-Dubai route is our way of honoring this. With this route opening, we expect to capitalize on the opportunities between Kenya and the UAE and to give our guests direct access to the wonders of the coastal region’s tourism.”

When the flight touched down at Mombasa, on hand to welcome the tourists on board upon arrival was the Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary State Department of Culture & Heritage, Ummi Bashir, management and staff of Kenya Airport Authority, Kenya Airways, Mombasa County and various other stakeholders.

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