NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya expects a boost in tourist numbers from the Asia Pacific region following AirAsia X's inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Nairobi early Saturday, senior officials said.
Rebecca Miano, Kenya's cabinet secretary of tourism and wildlife, said that the direct air link between Kenya, Malaysia and the broader Asia Pacific region will enhance efforts to diversify tourist source markets and shield the sector from geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
The low-cost carrier's maiden flight brought 377 travelers from various countries, including China, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Australia, Miano said, noting that Kenya, as a regional aviation hub, is committed to strengthening air connectivity with Southeast Asia to promote tourism, cultural exchanges and trade.
"We are delighted to have AirAsia X choose Kenya as a partner for its expansion into Africa. This aligns with our target of increasing tourist numbers to five million by 2027," Miano said.
June Chepkemei, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Kenya Tourism Board, said that Kenya welcomed 120,000 leisure and business travelers from the Asia Pacific region in 2023. She added that the government anticipates a 63 percent annual growth in tourist arrivals from key markets such as China, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines, thanks to enhanced air connectivity.
Jane Makori, deputy director general for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the Kuala Lumpur-Nairobi flight would also foster collaboration between Kenya and its Asian partners in technology, innovation and skills development.
AirAsia X will operate four weekly flights between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur, offering convenient stopovers to over 130 destinations across the Asia Pacific region.
AirAsia X CEO Benjamin Ismail said the inaugural flight underscores the airline's commitment to strengthening connectivity between Asia Pacific and East Africa, fostering commercial and cultural ties.
He added that airlines in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly expanding their presence in Africa as the two regions grow as essential trading and diplomatic allies. ■
