A charter flight from Bulgaria landed at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kenya, this week, carrying 149 travellers – including 35 travel agents – from Bulgaria.

European Air, chartered by tour operator, Abax Bulgaria, is the third charter to arrive from Eastern Europe in less than a year – the first arrived in March 2021 from Romania, and the second from Ukraine in April – as part of the Kenyan government and other stakeholders’ efforts to boost tourism recovery.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO, Betty Radier, said Eastern Europe was growing in importance as a key source market due to increased bilateral relations.

"Our tourism products, including safari and beach, resonate well with the needs of consumers from the emerging markets of Eastern Europe. We must explore all the available markets and tap into them, and this can only be done through innovation and value addition to be above the rest,” said Kenya Tourism Board, Director of Marketing, Fred Okeyo, adding that it was especially important now.

He said, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya had looked to increase tourism from less-traditional markets and the charter flights were part of that strategy.

"The charter flights we have been receiving signal the growing confidence in Kenya's preparedness against COVID-19. It also indicates that travellers want to come to magical Kenya to experience our diversity in offering and hospitality," Okeyo said.

He thanked the travel and tourism community in Kenya, including marketers and travel agents, who have been “working tirelessly” to bring visitors to the country.

“The government will continue to offer support as we work together towards the full recovery and growth of the sector,” said Okeyo.

Owner of Abax Bulgaria, Georgi Pasev, said he planned to bring more charter flights, based on increased demand for trips to Kenya.

He was quoted by Kenyan newspaper, Business Daily, as saying: “We decided to start the direct flight to Mombasa because this is a new destination for Bulgaria and the people wanted to come and enjoy the safari, beautiful beaches, excursions in the national parks and climb Mount Kenya.”