Published on
August 13, 2025
In a significant development for the African tourism sector, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the African Tourism Board (ATB) have entered into a strategic partnership to co-host the African Tourism and Investment Forum (ATIF) in Nairobi, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025. This collaboration, set to take place alongside the renowned Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), is expected to provide a much-needed platform for tourism professionals, investors, and industry leaders to forge new partnerships, stimulate investment, and foster economic growth across the continent.
Key Event Details and Venue
The ATIF 2025 will be held at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together over 6,500 delegates from 40 countries, including 400 exhibitors and 200 international buyers. As part of MKTE 2025, this forum will also showcase Kenya’s growing tourism sector and serve as a powerful catalyst for promoting tourism in Africa. The expected turnout is anticipated to be a 62.5% increase from the 2024 event, reflecting the growing global interest in Africa as a key tourism destination.
The partnership between KTB and ATB aims to unlock Africa’s tourism potential, creating opportunities for investment, promoting tourism growth, and providing a platform to discuss key issues affecting the tourism sector. Both organizations will work together on various aspects of the forum, including coordination, investor engagement, and promotional activities. This will help ensure that the event meets its full potential, benefiting not only Kenya but also the broader African continent.
Benefits to the African Tourism Sector
The collaboration between KTB and ATB is particularly timely, as Kenya’s tourism sector is projected to contribute KES 1.2 trillion (approximately US$9.2 billion) to the national economy in 2025, supporting over 1.7 million jobs. This marks a remarkable 24% increase compared to 2019, underlining the growing importance of tourism in Kenya’s economic development. The ATIF will play a pivotal role in maintaining this upward trajectory by bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, and investors to discuss strategies for further growth and expansion.
In addition to Kenya, the forum will also benefit the wider African tourism industry, which is rapidly gaining traction as an emerging global travel destination. With Africa’s diverse natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and untapped potential, this collaboration will help create new pathways for investment and tourism development across the continent. The ATIF 2025 will focus on promoting sustainable tourism, innovative travel experiences, and regional integration to position Africa as a key player in the global tourism industry.
Magical Kenya Travel Expo: A Hub for Tourism Innovation
MKTE 2025, running concurrently with the ATIF, is set to be a major event for the East African tourism sector. The expo provides an invaluable opportunity for tourism professionals to showcase their products, share knowledge, and network with potential buyers and investors. With a wide range of exhibitors expected, the event will provide a platform to highlight Kenya’s unique offerings as a destination, including wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and its growing eco-tourism sector.
The increased international participation in MKTE reflects the growing recognition of East Africa’s tourism potential. It also underscores Kenya’s central role in Africa’s tourism industry, positioning Nairobi as a hub for travel trade and investment in the region. For travelers, this is an opportunity to explore Kenya’s vast landscapes, from the iconic savannahs to pristine beaches, and discover why Kenya remains one of the continent’s most sought-after destinations.
Promoting Investment and Strategic Partnerships
The ATIF 2025 will also focus on attracting investment to Africa’s tourism sector, facilitating strategic partnerships between local businesses, governments, and international investors. This aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Africa’s position in the global tourism market by promoting collaboration between public and private stakeholders. In particular, the forum will address key issues such as infrastructure development, sustainable tourism practices, and the integration of technology to enhance the travel experience.
Investor engagement will be a core component of the forum, with dedicated matchmaking sessions designed to connect potential investors with tourism projects across the continent. These activities will provide invaluable insights into Africa’s tourism market and help unlock opportunities for investment in both established and emerging destinations.
Collaboration to Shape Africa’s Tourism Future
The partnership between KTB and ATB signifies a shared commitment to shaping the future trajectory of African tourism. By jointly leading the program, both organizations aim to elevate Africa’s global tourism profile, promote investment, and unlock the potential of the continent’s vast tourism resources. This collaboration also highlights the growing recognition of Africa as a key player in the global tourism sector and the importance of regional cooperation in advancing the industry.
The ATIF 2025 will act as a high-impact platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing African tourism, with a particular focus on sustainable practices, innovation, and economic development. Through this collaboration, the Kenya Tourism Board and the African Tourism Board aim to position Africa as a leading tourism destination, driving economic growth and providing new opportunities for travelers and investors alike.
Conclusion: The Future of African Tourism
As the African Tourism and Investment Forum 2025 approaches, the collaboration between the Kenya Tourism Board and the African Tourism Board serves as a clear signal of the growing importance of tourism in Africa’s economic development. The event promises to be a milestone in the continent’s tourism journey, providing a platform for collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth. By focusing on strengthening tourism partnerships and creating new business opportunities, ATIF 2025 will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of African tourism.
