NAIROBI, Kenya, May 13 – Kenya will host the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) from October 1 to 3 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, with over 6,500 delegates expected from 40 countries.
The event will bring together 200 international buyers, 400 exhibitors, and thousands of tourism stakeholders, focusing on sustainable tourism under the theme: “Sustainable Tourism Growth: Unlocking Africa’s Potential.”
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the expo aims to strengthen regional tourism cooperation, especially within Africa, which accounted for 40.8% of international arrivals to Kenya in 2024.
He called for increased cross-border collaboration and urged stakeholders to shift from competition to joint efforts in growing the sector. “We must view regional markets not as rivals but as part of a shared tourism vision,” Ololtuaa said.
MKTE 2025 will also feature the Africa Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF), aimed at boosting investment and financing opportunities for tourism businesses across the continent.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chairman Francis Gichaba noted the event marks a key milestone in Kenya’s tourism development, while KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the introduction of upgraded digital matchmaking tools and sustainability frameworks for the 2025 edition.
The tourism sector in Africa is projected to grow by 6.5% annually over the next decade, potentially reaching US$350 billion in total contributions, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
