Deputy President Hon. Kithure Kindiki officially opening the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025, igniting new horizons for Africa’s tourism future
October 2025, the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025, held from October 1st to 3rd at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum in Nairobi County, highlighted Kenya’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism growth across Africa. Organized by the Kenya Tourism Board in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the event attracted more than 6,500 delegates, 400 exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and 200 international buyers from over 40 countries.
Under the theme “Magical Kenya: Unlocking Africa’s Potential Through Sustainable Tourism Growth,” the expo emphasized innovation, digital technology, and scalability within Africa’s tourism sector. These themes were explored throughout the event as key drivers transforming the industry by expanding immersive tourism experiences that celebrate the continent’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki officially opened the expo on October 2nd, highlighting tourism’s pivotal role in Kenya’s future economy. He noted a notable 15% growth in 2024 with 2.4 million visitors generating KSh 452 billion and forecasted tourism to contribute KSh 1.2 trillion to GDP in 2025 while creating 1.7 million jobs. He also pointed out Kenya’s position as Africa’s tourism hub, supported by new air routes, visa-free entry, improved infrastructure, and unique offerings such as astro-tourism and desert safaris.
Sustainability remained central to the discussions, with initiatives like tree planting, wildlife conservation, and community-driven eco-tourism underscoring Kenya’s dedication to long-term inclusive growth. The expo also showcased how digital innovations and technology are revolutionizing Africa’s tourism industry by enhancing workforce readiness and promoting scalable sustainable models. Evolving Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) opportunities were highlighted as significant contributors to future growth.
A notable feature of MKTE 2025 was the active involvement of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). At their exhibition desk, NACOSTI engaged delegates with informative discussions on the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing Kenya’s tourism sector. They highlighted key research initiatives, technology adoption, and innovative solutions that drive sustainable tourism growth. These discussions emphasized how scientific advancements improve workforce skills, eco-tourism practices, and global competitiveness. NACOSTI’s presence underscored the growing synergy between technology and tourism, positioning Kenya to fully harness its natural and cultural assets through cutting-edge innovation.
Figure 1 Some of the sector players exhibiting at the expo
Overall, the 15th Magical Kenya Travel Expo successfully showcased Kenya as a leader in sustainable tourism and regional integration. The event demonstrated the collective commitment of all stakeholders to ensure tourism remains a major contributor to Kenya’s economy and a catalyst for Africa’s development.