Emirates and Kenya Tourism Board Partner on Tourism

Emirates and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) have formalized a strategic partnership at the 2026 Arabian Travel Market, aiming to enhance cooperation and boost tourism arrivals from key markets.

The signing ceremony featured Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ SVP of Commercial Operations for the Centre region, and June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board. Present during the event were Ambassador (Professor) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, Principal Secretary for Tourism, alongside Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Rashid Alardha, VP of Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager in Kenya, and other senior officials.

“Kenya has been a priority market for Emirates for over three decades, with our commitment extending far beyond operations and connectivity. We’ve consistently invested in our market presence, collaborating closely with travel trade partners and tourism stakeholders to stimulate inbound travel and enhance Kenya’s global reputation. Nairobi remains among the top 5 busiest gateways for Emirates in Africa, with substantial traffic from the UK, Europe, and the US. This partnership reinforces our longstanding commitment, deepening collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board and the broader tourism ecosystem across Nairobi and Kenya,” stated Adil Al Ghaith.

June Chepkemei commented, “We’re excited to partner with Emirates to elevate Kenya’s global tourism profile and showcase the extraordinary experiences our destination offers to international travelers. Emirates’ vast international network and strong presence in both established and emerging markets will help us capitalize on growing demand for Kenya and unlock new opportunities to attract more visitors. This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to positioning Kenya as a premier, diverse, and unforgettable destination while supporting continued growth in inbound tourism and the communities that depend on it.”

Tourism continues to be a vital component of Kenya’s economy, supporting employment and communities nationwide. The Kenya Tourism Board is working to establish Kenya as a leading African tourism destination, offering a year-round calendar of diverse, sustainable, and authentic experiences for international visitors.

Under this partnership, Emirates and KTB will develop joint initiatives to promote Kenya across key markets within the airline’s global network. These efforts will highlight Kenya’s year-round tourism offerings and encourage more travelers to visit the destination.

Both partners will also implement programs for travel trade partners and tour operators, including incentive schemes, familiarization trips, and marketing initiatives designed to increase awareness of Kenya’s tourism experiences.

Emirates celebrated 30 years of operations to Nairobi last year, building enduring relationships with local communities and the travel trade ecosystem. Earlier this month, Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating division, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents. This initiative aims to support outbound travel by providing over 300 travel agencies with enhanced product information, network resources, and promotional opportunities.