Kenya’s efforts to restart tourism have received a double boost as the country gears up to revive the battered sector.

Earlier this month, Moi International Airport in Mombasa received the first charter flight from Romania with 116 tourists. It was the first of nine flights that will continue until August.

“This flight is coming at an important time when our tourism sector is working towards recovery following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Europe is one of our key source markets for international tourists, therefore this flight is a signal of the continued revival of tourism,” Kenya Tourism Board CEO, Betty Radier, was quoted as saying by the Kenya Star.

According to her, Eastern Europe is growing in importance as a key source market due to increased bilateral relations.

First sports event

Kenya has also hosted 156 players from over 30 countries in the 2021 Magical Kenya Open and Kenya Savannah Classic, which started on March 18 and concludes on March 26. This is the first global sporting event to be held in the country after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.