Kenya and Jamaica have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital transformation in their tourism sectors.
The agreement was announced at the Fourth Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo in Nairobi.
The partnership marks a major step forward in technology-led tourism growth and deepens cooperation between the two countries.
Focus on AI and Smart Tourism
Rebecca Miano, Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, said the agreement builds on an earlier partnership launched in 2019 and moves the industry toward digital first destination management.
Under the MoU, Kenya will adopt a specialized artificial intelligence (AI) tool from Jamaica to enhance its tourism ecosystem.
The AI-driven system will help Kenya:
- Analyse visitor data for better marketing and planning
- Protect cultural and natural heritage sites
- Strengthen global competitiveness
- Improve forecasting and crisis response
“When Caribbean innovation meets East African hospitality, the possibilities are endless,” Miano said.
Part of a Wider Tourism Resilience Strategy
The signing took place amid a wider regional effort to make tourism more resilient to global shocks like pandemics, climate change, and economic disruption. The four-day conference brought together officials from Angola, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenya has prioritized several key strategies alongside digital transformation, including:
- Climate adaptation and regenerative tourism
- Public-private partnerships
- Support for small and medium enterprises
- Enhanced destination sustainability and resilience planning
Tourism Growth and Economic Impact
Speaking at the event, Miano emphasized that tourism remains a vital part of the Kenyan economy. She highlighted that international arrivals reached about 2.4 million in 2024, with earnings of KSh 452.2 billion, showcasing a strong recovery from the COVID-19 downturn.
Strong Global Tourism Ties
Observers say the new MoU not only strengthens ties between Kenya and Jamaica but also sets a model for South-South cooperation in tourism innovation. Industry analysts expect that improved digital tools and data insights will drive better visitor experiences and sustainable growth for both nations’ tourism economies.
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