MOMBASA, Kenya – Kenya’s cruise tourism sector is staging a strong comeback as the country intensifies efforts to attract five million international visitors by 2027, with the Port of Mombasa recording a notable surge in cruise ship arrivals at the start of the season.
On Tuesday, more than 600 tourists and over 400 crew members arrived at the Port of Mombasa aboard the luxury cruise liner Crystal Symphony, underscoring renewed global interest in Kenya as a cruise destination. Despite light early-morning rains, the visitors disembarked in high spirits, eager to experience the country’s rich coastal and inland attractions.
The 238-metre-long, 31-year-old Bahamas-flagged vessel sailed from South Africa on a seven-day voyage and is scheduled to dock in Mombasa for 48 hours before continuing its journey to India.
Speaking during the reception at the port, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said the year had begun on a positive note, with cruise tourism showing strong growth.
“This particular ship has brought over 600 travelers and crew members, with about 200 of them disembarking. That goes to show that their presence here is already having a significant impact on the Kenya Coast. Some of them have already gone on excursions across different parts of the region,” Chepkemei said.
She noted that cruise tourism recorded a 140 per cent growth last year, expressing optimism that the sector is set to surpass those figures in the current year.
“The beginning of the year has proven that we are on an upward trajectory. We expect to grow beyond last year’s performance,” she added.
Chepkemei attributed the growth in tourist numbers to key government interventions, including the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and the implementation of the open sky policy, which has improved air connectivity.
“We are hitting our targets, and we are happy to continue growing the sector. We invite all tourists to Tembea Kenya, Tembea Magical Kenya,” she said, revealing that six more cruise ships are expected to dock in the country by February.
The vessel’s Cruise Director, Vicki Van Tassel, described the voyage to Mombasa as memorable, citing breathtaking ocean views along the East African coastline. She praised Kenyan authorities for the warm reception and hinted at future visits.
“It was a beautiful sailing, and the slightly overcast sky made for the best pictures. We are excited to be here and have wonderful tours planned for our guests in Mombasa. We couldn’t be more honored to be welcomed and celebrated by your country,” Van Tassel said.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Corporation Secretary John Turasha Kinyanjui reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting cruise tourism and related business opportunities to spur economic growth.
“As KPA, we are very glad to host our guests here in Mombasa. We hope you enjoy Kenya and return many more times. We will always support you,” Kinyanjui said.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Tourism, Mohamed Osman, pointed to the open sky policy as a key driver of cruise tourism growth, noting that it allows tourists to seamlessly connect to other destinations through direct flights.
“If we are to achieve the target of five million international tourists by 2027, we must increase flight connectivity. The open sky policy makes it easier for visitors to arrive by cruise and depart directly through our airports,” Osman said, while assuring tourists of their safety and security.
The renewed influx of cruise visitors is expected to inject fresh momentum into the coastal economy, benefiting local tour operators, hospitality businesses and communities, as Kenya positions itself as a leading cruise tourism hub in the region.
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