Kenya and China call for cultural tourism investment, saying it drives growth, conservation and community empowerment at Nairobi biodiversity forum.

📻 Breaking It Down

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 23 — Stakeholders in the tourism and conservation sectors have called for increased investment in cultural tourism, describing it as one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry and a key driver of economic growth, community empowerment, and biodiversity conservation.

The calls were made during celebrations marking the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 at the National Museums of Kenya, where government officials, conservation experts, diplomats, and cultural stakeholders from Kenya and China gathered for the China–Africa Eco-cultural Tourism and Biodiversity Cooperation event.

Speaking during the forum, Mukonyi Kavaka Watai, Deputy Director for Research and Innovation at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, said Africa’s tourism strength extends beyond wildlife and scenic landscapes to include its rich cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and traditions.

📌 What You Need to Know

He noted that growing global demand for authentic cultural experiences presents a major opportunity for Kenya and other African countries to diversify tourism offerings and strengthen local economies.

“Research indicates growing interest in cultural tourism, with increasing numbers of international and domestic tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences as part of their travel choices,” Watai said.

“This presents a significant opportunity for investment in cultural tourism, which remains one of the fastest-growing global tourism segments.”

The event, organized by Xinhua News Agency together with the Publicity Department of the Yancheng Municipal Committee, formed part of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and commemorations of the International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated annually on May 22.

This year’s global theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” focused on strengthening local action, indigenous knowledge systems, and international partnerships in advancing biodiversity conservation under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Watai said Kenya is repositioning tourism as a major pillar of economic growth through diversification of tourism products, promotion of domestic tourism, and expansion into emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya