RwandaAir has officially resumed its flights to Mombasa, marking the end of a six-year hiatus on this crucial coastal route. This development is being celebrated by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) as a pivotal milestone in the country's overarching strategy to significantly increase tourist arrivals, especially from high-potential regional markets. KTB emphasizes that this restored air link serves as a substantial boost for Kenya's inbound tourism ambitions.

June Chepkemei, the Chief Executive Officer of KTB, underscored the critical importance of this air connection for achieving the board's targeted 18% growth in Rwandan visitors this year. She elaborated on the significance of opening such new air routes, stating that they are vital for bolstering tourism from key regional markets, including Rwanda. Last year alone, Kenya welcomed an impressive 957,750 tourists from various African countries, with Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda being major contributors; Rwanda accounted for 65,866 arrivals, highlighting its importance as a source market.

The newly reinstated flights are scheduled to operate four times weekly, greatly enhancing connectivity across East Africa. This improved accessibility will provide travelers with seamless entry to Kenya's diverse coastal destinations, which are renowned for their picturesque beaches, rich cultural experiences, and exciting adventure opportunities. KTB asserts that this strategic move perfectly aligns with broader national efforts aimed at expanding inbound tourism and solidifying regional partnerships, crediting the Government of Kenya for its unwavering support and strategic investments in opening up its skies to more airlines and routes, thereby stimulating growth in the tourism sector.

This resumption of RwandaAir's services is not an isolated event but is part of a larger trend of enhanced international flight routes for Kenya. It follows the introduction of new services by carriers such as Air Dubai and Air Angola, in addition to expanded operations from established airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. These collective additions are instrumental in consolidating Kenya's strategic position as a leading regional aviation and tourism hub, offering travelers greater connectivity and a wider array of choices.

As regional air connectivity continues its upward trajectory, KTB anticipates a considerable increase in tourist arrivals to Mombasa specifically from Rwanda. This expected uptick in tourism is poised to contribute significantly to Kenya's broader economic development and its overarching tourism growth objectives, further cementing the country's appeal as a premier travel destination.