DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Emirates and the Kenya Tourism Board have signed a partnership agreement aimed at increasing international tourism to Kenya by promoting the East African destination across the airline’s global network.
The agreement, signed at the 2026 Arabian Travel Market, builds on what the companies described as strong demand for Kenya and is intended to help the country attract visitors from both established and emerging tourism markets.
Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ senior vice president of commercial operations for the Centre region, and June Chepkemei, chief executive of the Kenya Tourism Board, signed the agreement in the presence of senior officials from the airline and Kenya’s tourism ministry.
“Kenya has been an important market for Emirates for over three decades, and our commitment goes much deeper than operations and connections,” Al Ghaith said.
“We’ve consistently invested in our presence in the market, working closely with travel trade partners and tourism stakeholders to stimulate inbound travel, and contribute positively to the global perception of Kenya,” he said.
Al Ghaith said Nairobi is among Emirates’ five busiest gateways in Africa, with substantial passenger traffic originating in the United Kingdom and Europe as well as the United States.
“This partnership solidifies that longstanding commitment, enhancing our collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board and the full, thriving tourism ecosystem across Nairobi and Kenya,” he said.
Chepkemei said the partnership would help Kenya strengthen its position in the international tourism market.
“We are delighted to partner with Emirates to strengthen Kenya’s global tourism profile and showcase the remarkable experiences our destination offers to travellers around the world,” she said.
“Emirates’ extensive international network and strong reach in both established and emerging markets will help us build on the growing demand for Kenya and unlock new opportunities to attract more visitors,” Chepkemei said.
The agreement calls for Emirates and the tourism board to explore joint marketing initiatives in markets served by the airline. The campaigns are expected to highlight Kenya’s tourism attractions and promote year-round travel to the country.
The partners also plan to develop programs for travel industry partners and tour operators, including incentives, familiarization trips and other marketing activities designed to increase knowledge of Kenya’s tourism offering.
Tourism is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy and supports employment and businesses across the country. The Kenya Tourism Board has set an ambition of making Kenya Africa’s most visited tourism destination, promoting a year-round mix of sustainable and authentic experiences.
Emirates said Kenya has been a longstanding market for the airline. The carrier marked 30 years of operations to Nairobi last year, during which it said it has developed relationships with local communities and travel industry partners.
The latest agreement also follows a separate initiative involving Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents.
Earlier in September, Emirates Holidays signed a memorandum of understanding with the association aimed at stimulating outbound travel and providing more than 300 travel agencies with product and network information as well as promotional opportunities.
The new tourism partnership comes as Kenya seeks to expand international visitor numbers and diversify the markets from which tourists arrive, while Emirates continues to use its extensive international network to support travel demand to destinations across Africa.
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