This trend, according to preliminary data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), reflects shifting travel patterns amid regional and global economic factors.
The new routes announced include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia.
The new policy applies to nationals of all African countries except Libya and Somalia, where ongoing security challenges have led to a temporary exclusion.
According to the review, tourism revenues reached US$3.92 billion in the year ending May 2025, up from US$3.63 billion the previous year.
These initiatives are set to streamline visa processes for both international film crews and participants in large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and sporting tournaments.
Attendees will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to refine storytelling techniques and explore innovative ways to present Africa’s diverse destinations
March stood out as a historic month, with 22 ship visits, the highest number ever recorded in a single month, demonstrating the city’s rising prominence in the global cruise industry.
This new route is set to improve regional connectivity and support the growth of domestic tourism in western Kenya, particularly around Lake Victoria and Kisumu’s rich cultural sites.
By enabling visitors to pay without currency exchange or downloading new apps, the initiative simplifies transactions and improves convenience for travelers exploring Malaysia’s diverse offerings.
The report, titled Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth, reveals that the industry is expanding at a rate 1.5 times faster than the global economy.