This week, the Port of Mombasa received more than 2,000 international tourists from two luxury vessels, the MV Azamara Journey and the EUROPA Valletta, which docked on consecutive days at the start of the 2026 cruise season. These arrivals illustrate an upward trend that local authorities have described as a “sustained surge” in cruise tourism, noting that the number of visitors arriving by cruise had grown by 140 percent by the end of 2024 compared with previous years. This expansion is being linked to tangible benefits for coastal communities and the wider national economy.
The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, has highlighted in official statements that the introduction of the ETA system has been instrumental in supporting this growth. Miano has stressed that by enabling travellers to enter through a simplified process, Kenya becomes more accessible and more attractive to key source markets in Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia and Africa. She has also underlined that the positive economic impact extends beyond the ports, as cruise passengers typically participate in local excursions, purchase tourism services, explore inland destinations, and contribute to sectors such as hospitality, transport, and retail.
The increase in cruise calls at Mombasa reflects not only higher visitor volumes but also greater recognition of local infrastructure and service capacity. Port authorities and business groups have noted that improvements in the cruise terminal, combined with the efficiency of the new authorisation system, have strengthened Kenya’s competitiveness relative to other destinations in the Indian Ocean and across East Africa. This strategic push aligns with the objectives of Kenya’s “blue economy” agenda, which aims to diversify the tourism offering and maximise the benefits derived from marine and coastal resources.
At the same time, official statistics suggest that the economic gains associated with maritime tourism growth are becoming increasingly visible. Communities near cruise ports have reported stronger demand for tourism-related services, ranging from tours and guiding to accommodation and cultural products, generating opportunities for employment and small-business development. The presence of international visitors has also encouraged cultural exchange and increased visibility for Kenya’s natural and cultural assets, reinforcing its positioning as a multifaceted destination beyond its traditional safari appeal.
Looking ahead, the Government of Kenya intends to consolidate this momentum through a combination of infrastructure investment, international promotion, and further modernisation of migration and tourism processes. The stated objective is to establish Kenya as a leading cruise tourism hub in the Indian Ocean, attracting not only occasional calls but also building sustained relationships with major cruise lines and global operators. In this context, the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is positioned as a strategic pillar supporting continued growth, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to tourism innovation and to delivering a smoother and more secure travel experience for visitors from around the world.
