[PHOTOS] World Tourism Day kicks off in style

CS Rebecca Miano led the national celebrations in Mombasa county.

by EMMANUEL WANJALA

News27 September 2025 - 13:48

In Summary

This year's event was themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, highlighting the role of tourism in driving positive change for communities, conservation, and economic growth.
To mark the occasion, the government announced free access to 33 national parks, game reserves and sanctuaries across the country.

Audio By Vocalize

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano leads national celebrations in Mombasa to mark World Tourism Day, September 27, 2025. /KWS

World Tourism Day began on Saturday with pomp and colour in Mombasa, where Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano led national celebrations.

The annual event, marked globally every September 27, was themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” this year—highlighting the role of tourism in driving positive change for communities, conservation, and economic growth.

To mark the occasion, the government announced free access to 33 national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries across the country.

However, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) clarified on Friday that Lake Nakuru National Park would not be part of the offer, noting that only visitors with prepaid tickets on eCitizen would be allowed entry.

In Mombasa, CS Miano was joined by Kenya Wildlife Service Director-General Erustus Kanga during a colourful procession through the city streets.

Other participants included Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, CEOs and parastatal heads under the Tourism and Wildlife Ministry, county government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, tourism stakeholders such as hoteliers, travel agents, and tour operators, as well as students of tourism and hospitality.

The day’s programme also featured exhibitions and cultural showcases at Mama Ngina Waterfront, which will continue through the weekend.

World Tourism Day was established in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness on the sector’s importance to the global economy, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability.

CS Miano said the celebrations presented an opportunity for Kenyans to reconnect with the country’s natural heritage.

“We invite all Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the wonders of our parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, which are not just Kenya’s pride but the world’s heritage,” she said in a statement on September 23.