South Africa is seeking to attract more Kenyan travellers by promoting its tourism experiences and building partnerships with travel businesses in Kenya.
The initiative was highlighted during a tourism event at Nairobi Street Kitchen on Wednesday, October 7, where representatives from the tourism industry and other guests gathered to explore opportunities for travel and business between the two countries.
South African Tourism Regional General Manager for Africa Evelyn Mahlaba was among those present, alongside South African High Commissioner Salome Zulu Baloi and South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) MICE Sales Manager Sakhile Ndhlovu.
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The event formed part of South Africa’s wider participation in the 16th Magical Kenya Travel Expo, which ran from October 6 to 8 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
Showcasing South Africa’s Tourism Experiences
South African Tourism brought 20 tourism businesses to the expo to promote their services and connect with Kenyan travel agents, tour operators and other industry players.
The country’s tourism offering includes wildlife and nature experiences, coastal destinations, city attractions and cultural activities. Its businesses also cater to travellers interested in leisure holidays and corporate events.
By showcasing these experiences, South African Tourism hopes to encourage more Kenyan travellers to visit the country and have its tourism products included in travel packages offered by agents and tour operators.
Among the businesses represented were Honest Travel Experience, whose representative, Jye Mmakaza, attended, and Thinkk Travels Kenya, represented by Muthoni Gathitu.
Caroline Kibuchi of Safari Muse and Naomi Bhuda, Regional Sales Manager at ANEW Hotels and Resorts, were also among those present.
Fourteen of the 20 South African businesses participating in the expo were small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
Their participation was intended to give smaller tourism operators opportunities to meet potential buyers and establish business relationships.
Kenyan Arrivals to South Africa Increase
South Africa’s campaign comes as the country records growth in visitors from Kenya.
According to the press release issued by South African Tourism on October 1, the country received 32,067 Kenyan tourists between January and July 2026, an 11.3 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The organization aims to build on this growth by strengthening partnerships with travel businesses and making South African tourism experiences easier to include in travel itineraries.
South African Tourism Regional General Manager for Africa Evelyn Mahlaba said the growth in Kenyan arrivals presented an opportunity for tourism businesses to expand their reach in the market.
The organization also plans to track meetings and follow-ups with potential business partners to assess whether the expo leads to further commercial opportunities.
Key Figures Attend the Event
The event was hosted by Victoria Rubadiri.
Content creators Bonnke West, Milly Chebby and Terrence Creative among the personalities in attendance.
Standard Chartered Senior Coverage Manager Jacky Gikubu was also present.
South Africa’s participation reflects its efforts to strengthen tourism ties with Kenya and encourage more travel between the two African countries.
