Tui, a Dutch charter airline, has made a triumphant return to the East African region with its inaugural flight to Zanzibar. After a six-year hiatus due to security concerns and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tui’s Boeing Dreamliner landed at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kenya, marking the beginning of a new chapter in regional tourism.
The airline reported that 40 percent of the passengers on its first flight were bound for various destinations in Kenya, while the remaining travelers were headed to Zanzibar. This reentry into the East African market comes at a time when both Kenya and Tanzania are striving to attract visitors from new markets and revitalize their tourism industries.
Unlike Kenya, Tanzania did not close its borders during the pandemic but still suffered from reduced airline routes and passenger numbers. Tui had suspended its charter services to Kenya following security advisories from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and later extended the suspension due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
As the tourism sector in Kenya and Tanzania works towards recovery, there are concerns that Kenya may lose out to Tanzania due to policy changes such as increased park entry fees and limited airline access. However, the resumption of Tui’s flights to the region signifies a positive shift in the industry.
Mombasa County tourism executive Osman Mohammed expressed optimism about the revival of tourism in the region, citing the impact of the open skies policy and the return of direct flights. With plans to double international visitor numbers in Mombasa over the next year, there is hope for a significant rebound in the tourism sector.
Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has launched campaigns to attract more tourists to the coastal region, emphasizing the improved security situation and the diverse attractions the country has to offer. Tui, with its own hotels and lodges in East Africa, will now operate two flights per week to both Mombasa and Zanzibar, providing travelers with convenient access to these unique destinations.
Tui Captain Robert Gijsbertse highlighted the appeal of Tanzania and Kenya as natural and diverse destinations for tourists. With the resumption of flights and concerted efforts to promote tourism, the East African region is poised for a tourism resurgence that will benefit both visitors and local economies.
