Assessment of Kenya’s Tourist Source Markets

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn recent years, Kenya’s tourism has not kept pace with competition. This study attempts to empirically evaluate Kenya’s tourist source markets in the light of growing competition for tourists. The paper uses a Constant Market Share (CMS) analysis to decompose growth of tourist arrivals from key generating regions to Kenya and a few selected benchmark countries. The analysis indicates that while Kenya had a considerable competitive edge during the period 2000–2003, the situation reversed within the subsequent five years. This cost the country about 362,000 tourists who choose the benchmark countries rather than Kenya as their destination. The study thus provides useful insights for Kenya’s tourism policy makers.