Kenya 2011 tourism revenues up 32 pc, sees tough 2012

Kenya's tourism revenues rose 32 per cent to Sh98b ($1.18 billion) in 2011 after the country attracted visitors from new markets, but tourism minister Najib Balala warns that the euro zone crisis would curb growth in 2012.

Arrivals rose 15.4 per cent to 1.26 million, just shy of a targeted 1.3 million visitors in 2011.

The 2011 revenue figure also fell short of a Sh100b shilling target for the year.

"I don't expect any growth in 2012. The economic crisis is seriously biting... Growth in 2012 is expected to be at the same level as 2011 at Sh98b," Balala told reporters.

Reuters