Kenya marked an important occasion in Mombasa as it hosted the UN Tourism Week under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
The event came at a special time as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation celebrated its golden jubilee, fifty years of international cooperation in tourism.
Leaders, stakeholders, and guests gathered to reflect on how tourism has shaped lives, economies, and cultural connections while also addressing the pressing challenges the sector faces in a changing world.
The celebrations highlighted how tourism goes beyond travel, becoming a driver of livelihoods, infrastructure growth, and cultural preservation. At the same time, there was a strong reminder that without responsibility, tourism can harm the very places it seeks to showcase.
This balance between opportunity and risk was a key message, especially in the era of climate change and inequality, where tourism must adapt with bold and sustainable practices.
The week in Mombasa was full of activities that showed Kenya’s determination to steer its tourism sector toward sustainability.
At Mama Ngina Waterfront, cultural fairs, exhibitions, and food festivals displayed Kenya’s rich diversity, giving both locals and visitors a sense of pride in the country’s heritage.
Photo Courtesy/CS Rebecca Miano (X)
In Kwale and Kilifi Counties, conservation efforts took center stage with mangrove restoration and turtle protection initiatives. These activities showcases the link between environmental conservation and tourism, showing that protecting nature is as important as promoting destinations.
Young people were also involved in boot camps, digital content creation, and symposiums on conservation, giving them a chance to participate and learn how they can lead in shaping the future of the industry.
The celebrations were not only about reflection but also about action. Plans for expanding meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions tourism, popularly known as MICE, were shared, with an emphasis on digital tools and sustainable practices. Innovations such as paperless payments and real-time data were discussed as ways to reduce waste and guide smarter investments.
The message was clear that the future of tourism must be greener, smarter, and more inclusive, ensuring that communities benefit directly from the sector while conserving biodiversity and building climate resilience.
The climax of the week was set for Fort Jesus in Mombasa, where a gala dinner and cultural extravaganza would celebrate Kenya’s living heritage.
Such an event not only honored the historic site but also reflected how tourism can merge cultural pride with economic empowerment.
The vision was that tourism should reach every county, empowering small businesses, strengthening communities, and giving youth opportunities to innovate through eco-tourism and cultural entrepreneurship.
The call was made for greater collaboration between county governments and the national government to harmonize tourism policies for smoother operations and fewer obstacles.
Such coordination is seen as vital for the sector to achieve sustainable transformation. The golden jubilee of the UN World Tourism Organisation offered the perfect moment to look ahead with courage, determination, and responsibility.
It became clear that Kenya’s approach to tourism is shifting toward one where sustainability and transformation are inseparable, ensuring that the sector remains a source of pride, prosperity, and protection for generations to come.
