International tourist arrivals to Kenya grew by 17.2% to almost 600 000 in the first eight months of this year.

According to Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) acting Chief Executive Officer Jacinta Nzioka, total international arrivals by air and sea from January to August this year were 581 808 visitors, up from 496 579 in the same period last year.

Nzioka attributed the international arrivals’ increase to the country’s incentives as well as its positive image in overseas markets bolstered by improved security.

She said incentives include the introduction of Sh1.2 billion charter incentive programme and the waiver of a visa fee for children below 16 years. Park fees have also been reduced.

“KTB will capitalize on the low park fees to woo more safari seekers from both traditional and emerging markets to help revive the industry,” said Nzioka.

International tourist arrivals to Kenya dropped to 752 073 last year compared with 861 758 in 2014, while earnings dropped from $870 million in 2014 to $840 million in 2015.

Kenya’s tourism took a dive in as a result of insecurity.

Following improved security, Kenya’s major source markets the United Kingdom and the US lifted travel advisories against resort towns.

By end of this year, Kenya targets to attract more than a million international visitors.