Synopsis
Kenya's President William Ruto announced plans to revise visa and eTA requirements for cruise tourists at Mombasa's port, aiming to enhance tourism by easing entry procedures for travelers.Key Takeaways
- Kenya's government aims to attract more cruise tourists.
- Revisions to visa and eTA will simplify entry for visitors.
- Kenya saw a 163.5% increase in cruise tourism last year.
- New policies will standardize entry processes across travel points.
- Private sector urged to improve hospitality facilities.
Nairobi, Feb 23 (NationPress) The President of Kenya, William Ruto, announced on Sunday that the administration will modify visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) protocols for individuals arriving at the Port of Mombasa as part of initiatives to enhance cruise tourism.
Ruto stated that the new multiple-entry eTA will enable cruise travelers to explore Mombasa freely, facilitating effortless movement between cruise ships and the city without the need for repeated authorizations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"We will be adjusting our visa and eTA procedures to simplify entry into the country, ensuring visitors encounter minimal paperwork and delays," he expressed in Mombasa, coinciding with the arrival of the cruise liner MS Norwegian Dawn, the largest ship to ever dock at the port, carrying over 3,100 guests.
Ruto indicated that the revisions to the visa and eTA will align with recent changes for international arrivals at major airports in the country, creating a standardized entry process for all travelers.
In the previous year, Kenya welcomed 6,561 cruise tourists, marking a growth of over 163.5 percent in this sector, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
The proposed implementation of a multiple-entry eTA, along with heightened investments in port facilities, is anticipated to significantly enhance cruise tourism by drawing more vessels to the Port of Mombasa, noted Rebecca Miano, the cabinet secretary for tourism and wildlife.
Miano added that Kenya is set to receive eight cruise ships during the upcoming cruise season.
According to the ministry, Kenya's international tourist arrivals surged by 15 percent to 2.4 million, up from 2.09 million in 2023. Additionally, inbound tourism revenue rose by 19.8 percent to 452.20 billion shillings (approximately $3.49 billion) compared to $2.92 billion in 2023.
"Cruise ship visits peaked a few years ago, followed by a decline. However, last year we welcomed around 6,500 visitors, and this year we anticipate an increase with another eight cruise ships expected to arrive," Ruto mentioned.
The President of Kenya encouraged the private sector to enhance facilities within the hospitality industry to accommodate the growing influx of tourists into the country.
