Kenya and South Africa have been one of Africa’s hottest tourist destination spots over the years; with South Africa taking the lead. However a recent research, survey and study; has decorated Kenya as the leading destination for tourism in Africa, Benching South Africa.
The Tourism sector In Kenya has been showing massive growth in the last decade. The sector has risen to become the second-largest foreign exchange earner for kenya despite recent terrorism threats and other incidents of insecurity. Also, the tourism and travel sector contributed 3.7% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 and around 6% in 2017.
It is therefore not surprising that the East African nation has been ranked as the leading tourist destination in Africa ahead of South Africa by the World Travel Awards (WTA). Nairobi the nation’s capital, was also named as Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination; and Kenyatta International Convention Centre ranked as Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre.
The determining and contributing factors and destinations of Kenya’s emergence, are; its tantalizing cocktail of epic savannah landscapes, immense herds of wildlife and palm-fringed beaches. Also, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Sweet Waters Game Reserve, and Tsavo National Park were named among the country’s top safari destinations.
Meanwhile, Cape Town was declared Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination; and its majestic Table Mountain picked Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction. The fascinating South African city of Durban was voted Africa’s Leading City Destination.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.