It’s all systems go as the lakeside city of Kisumu is set to host the National World Tourism Day (WTD) scheduled for September 27 this year.

During a media launch event held at the Kisumu Museum on Wednesday, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Ochieng` Owili confirmed that everything was now set for tourism week that will commence on September 24-27, 2025. The event will culminate in the World Tourism Day Commemoration on Saturday, September 27.

The theme of this year`s World Tourism Day (WTD) is: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation. It emphasises the role of tourism in fostering economic growth while implementation practices that safeguard our environment, culture and communities for future generations.

The media launch is one of the activities that have been organised to precede the tourism week. During the event, the media was briefed about the WTD and interacted with various tourism stakeholders and potential exhibitors.

“Today’s launch is therefore about you, the media, our partners and stakeholders. Your voice, your platforms and your networks will carry Kisumu’s story far and wide. We count on your support to amplify the visibility of Kisumu Tourism Week, to showcase the opportunities and innovations coming out of Kisumu, and to inspire communities, youth, and women to take pride and participate in tourism,” the deputy governor stated.

He thanked the media fraternity being the bridge between government, communities and the world and told them he is relying on their commitment to tell Kisumu’s story with accuracy, depth, and pride.

The main venue of WTD will be at Kisumu Museum, with activities spreading across the county and region. The programme will include cultural showcases and performances preserving and celebrating Luo heritage; symposia and workshops on sustainable practices,

Exhibitions, digital transformation, and youth innovation.

It will also showcase community tourism experiences in the Luo cultural village; a cookery festival will feature the popular ngege (tilapia), omena (sardines) and traditional cuisines; and the Tourism Excellence Awards recognising champions of sustainability, innovation and cultural preservation.

The activities have been planned not only to entertain but also to educate, inspire and position Kisumu as a regional hub for tourism transformation.

“Tourism, when harnessed well, is a driver of economic growth, cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion. Kisumu, as the heart of the Lake Victoria Basin and gateway to East and Central Africa, is uniquely positioned to showcase its blue economy potential, its rich cultural heritage, its eco-tourism landscapes, its hospitality and gastronomy (cuisine) and the creative industries that define our vibrant identity,” Owili said.

He called upon all partners and stakeholders to support the event through mobilisation, branding, visibility and active participation and also to proudly display their banners, product and services to showcase their innovations, and share their stories during this week.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, Industry and Marketing Farida Salim and stakeholders have given assurance on the county’s readiness to host this national event.

Tourism Day (WTD) is commemorated annually on September 27 to raise awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

The global World Tourism Day 2025 will be held in Malaysia on September 27.

On September 27, 1970, the Charter of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) was adopted but it was until 10 years later in 1980 that the date was officially established and celebrated to mark the role played by the tourism in world economies.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that tourism in Kenya is the third largest source of foreign exchange revenue, following diaspora remittances and agriculture.

Kenya is one of the world best tourist destinations that pull in millions of tourists globally. It is a preferred destination for tourists looking for an adventure that combines rich indigenous culture, world heritage sites, wildlife safaris, mountain climbing and Bird watching and adventure holiday.

Kenya has over 55 national parks, game reserves and sanctuaries. Many tourists who visit the country fall in love with the incredible beauty and some have opted to stay permanently. Some of the types of tourism found in Kenya include; beach tourism, co-tourism, cultural tourism, and sports tourism.

There are times the crucial industry has faced serious challenges associated with climate change. In 2020, this sector was brought to its knees due to the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic as Kenya and the whole world literally locked up their borders to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

It’s also worth noting that Kenya is still recovering from a drought that ravaged parts of the country for five consecutive seasons with inadequate rain in 2021 and 2022, which severely affected people and animals, including livestock. This was followed hot on the heels by a devastating flood that ravaged the country also causing massive damage to wildlife and property and loss of lives.

But things are now looking up in the sector as the data from the Ministry of Tourism, show that tourist arrivals hit a new record high of the aforementioned figure of 2.09 million in 2023, indicating a flourishing tourism industry in the country in the post Covid era, thanks to the efforts the government has been putting in marketing Kenya as a preferred destination for international travellers seeking to explore what our motherland has to offer.

The worst-affected ecosystems by the drought were home to some of Kenya’s most-visited national parks, reserves and conservancies, including the Amboseli, Tsavo and Laikipia – Samburu areas. 

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) November 2022 reported that it had lost 205 jumbos, which is an endangered species, 512 wildebeests, 381 common zebras, 51 buffalos, 49 Gravy’s zebras and 12 giraffes in nine months of that year alone to the wrecking drought. Therefore, seeing the tourism sector picking up is a big relief to all industry players.

It’s estimated that more than five million Kenyans were affected by the drought in more than 24 counties and more that 2.4 million livestock and wildlife killed by the drought. Some of these communities were then also affected by floods which came immediately after the drought.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mabel Keya-Shikuku