Kenya’s upcoming international sporting events are expected to create fresh opportunities for tourism growth, with fly748.com highlighting the role of domestic aviation in connecting visitors to destinations across the country.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2029 World Athletics Championships are expected to strengthen Kenya’s international profile while creating opportunities for airlines, hospitality providers, tour operators and other tourism-related businesses.
George Oduor, Head of Scheduled Services at fly748.com, said the events could generate increased demand for air travel as athletes, spectators, officials, sponsors and business delegations arrive in the country.
“Sports tourism is emerging as an important growth opportunity for Kenya’s travel industry. Major sporting events attract athletes, fans, officials, sponsors and business delegations, generating demand for air travel, accommodation and other tourism services,” said Oduor.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 16th Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), Oduor noted that efficient domestic connectivity would be essential in helping visitors explore destinations beyond Nairobi and maximising the economic benefits of increased arrivals.
fly748.com currently operates scheduled passenger flights connecting Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Terminal 2, to Mombasa and Ukunda/Diani, providing access to two of Kenya’s leading coastal tourism destinations.
The airline continues to explore opportunities to expand its domestic and regional network in response to market demand and changing travel patterns.
Oduor said the sporting calendar could also encourage domestic travel, enabling Kenyans to attend competitions while supporting businesses and tourism operators in different parts of the country.
He added that convenient air services could help connect local communities and tourism businesses to new customer markets, extending the benefits of major events beyond their immediate locations.
The opportunities come as Kenya continues to pursue ambitious tourism growth targets. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reported that the country welcomed approximately 2.7 million international visitors in 2025, generating an estimated KSh 500 billion in tourism earnings. Domestic tourism recorded approximately 5.2 million bed-nights during the year.
The government is targeting 5.5 million international visitors by 2028, supported by investment in infrastructure, destination marketing, digital transformation and tourism product diversification.
Tourism Principal Secretary Ambassador Professor Julius K. Bitok has also highlighted the potential for Kenya and its regional neighbours, particularly Uganda and Tanzania, to benefit from increased visitor flows associated with the sporting calendar.
With AFCON preparations prompting discussions around accommodation, infrastructure and visitor capacity, the 2027 tournament and the 2029 championships present an opportunity to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a destination for sports, leisure and business tourism.
