Mombasa, Kenya Set to Host World Tourism Week 2025: Celebrating Culture, Food, and Sustainable Tourism

In anticipation of the highly anticipated World Tourism Week 2025, Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal tourism gem, is getting ready to welcome more than 3,000 tourists from all over Kenya and beyond. With a plethora of cultural events, entertainment, and captivating festivals, this year’s edition is sure to be an incredible event that highlights the best that Mombasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. September 27 will mark the official United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations, which will be preceded by the four-day event from September 25 to 28. The celebrations, which will be shared by Mombasa and Kwale counties, are anticipated to emphasise the vital role that tourism plays in promoting social change and economic expansion.

A Welcome to Remember

Visitors attending the World Tourism Week will experience the true warmth and hospitality of Mombasa, with special arrangements in place to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience. Upon arrival at Moi International Airport or via the Madaraka Express railway, guests will be greeted with an immersive coastal welcome. Local authorities and the Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC) have coordinated efforts to ensure the region’s signature hospitality is on full display for both domestic and international tourists. As the event draws closer, excitement is building up around the variety of events planned, and the anticipation continues to grow as Mombasa is set to shine as the tourism hub of East Africa.

A Focus on Sustainability

The theme for the 2025 World Tourism Week is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, emphasising the crucial role that tourism plays in shaping positive changes in both the local economy and society. As part of the celebration, various activities are planned to highlight the importance of sustainable tourism practices, not only for the preservation of Mombasa’s rich heritage but also for the long-term development of the region’s tourism industry. Throughout the event, emphasis will be placed on preserving the coastal city’s natural resources, such as its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage, while fostering inclusive growth in the tourism sector.

With over 3,000 guests expected, the World Tourism Week will also be an opportunity to showcase Mombasa’s growing tourism infrastructure and highlight the region’s potential as a top-tier international travel destination. Both local and national authorities have emphasised the importance of tourism for the sustainable development of Kenya’s coastal economy, which benefits from the influx of visitors year-round.

FishMish Festival: A Taste of Mombasa’s Culinary Heritage

One of the highly anticipated events during World Tourism Week is the FishMish Festival, set to take place on September 26 at Mama Ngina Waterfront. This food festival, blending the two iconic foods of fish and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), will allow visitors to experience Mombasa’s rich culinary heritage. Known for its mouthwatering seafood and flavourful meats, Mombasa offers a food culture that reflects both its coastal location and its multicultural influences. The FishMish Festival will not only feature local delicacies but also serve as a platform for reconnecting with the city’s culinary roots, making it a must-attend event for food lovers.

The festival is expected to attract tourists from around the world, with food vendors offering a variety of local dishes that represent the diverse flavours of the coastal region. For visitors who want to dive deep into the local culture, this festival will be a perfect introduction to Mombasa’s food scene, providing an authentic experience of the city’s culinary traditions.

The Official World Tourism Day Parade and Activities

On September 27, Mombasa will host the official World Tourism Day celebrations. A grand parade will kick off at the famous elephant tusks along Moi Avenue and will march toward the Mama Ngina Waterfront, marking an exciting moment in the day’s activities. The parade, which will feature local performers, cultural displays, and regional tourism stakeholders, is one of the highlights of the week and will demonstrate the unique diversity of Mombasa’s population.

In addition to the parade, a tree-planting ceremony will be held at Uhuru Garden as part of the efforts to encourage environmental sustainability within the tourism sector. This symbolic gesture is aimed at further promoting ecotourism practices and ensuring that the natural beauty of Mombasa remains protected for future generations.

Tuk-Tuk Races: The Ultimate Signature Attraction

The culmination of the celebrations on September 28 will see the return of one of the event’s signature attractions—the tuk-tuk race. Following the success of last year’s inaugural tuk-tuk race, organisers have decided to make this quirky, yet exhilarating, event a staple of Mombasa’s World Tourism Week celebrations. The tuk-tuk race, which takes place on the streets of Mombasa, has proven to be a crowd favourite, drawing both locals and tourists to enjoy the fun and excitement.

This year, a total of 30 tuk-tuk operators, who have been specially trained in tour guiding, will take part in the race. This training has not only provided these operators with valuable skills to enhance the tourism experience for visitors but has also boosted their livelihoods, allowing them to earn better incomes. The winners of the tuk-tuk race will receive exciting prizes, including return flights to Dubai, generously sponsored by Fly Dubai. The overall champion will be treated to a three-night stay at Travellers Beach Hotel, further reinforcing Mombasa’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and improving local businesses.

A Boost for Local Tourism and Economic Growth

The cooperation between local stakeholders, such as tourism authorities, hotels, airlines, and businesses, has been crucial in ensuring the success of this year’s World Tourism Week. Discounts offered by airlines and hotels will encourage both domestic and international travellers to participate in the festivities, creating a positive economic impact for the local businesses involved in the tourism sector.

The event is expected to generate substantial revenue, creating jobs and boosting local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to tour guides and taxi operators. Furthermore, the presence of international tourists will showcase Mombasa’s potential as a top-tier destination for both leisure and business travel. The event has also highlighted the region’s ongoing efforts to improve safety at tourist attractions, with local authorities investing in enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Mombasa’s Bright Future in Tourism

Without a doubt, World Tourism Week 2025 will give Mombasa a chance to present to the world its hospitality, cultural diversity, and sustainable tourism initiatives. In addition to showcasing the area’s attractions, the event will solidify the region’s standing as a major participant in the world travel market. By working together, Mombasa is setting itself up for a more promising future in tourism, one in which the industry’s positive social and economic effects will benefit both tourists and residents.

Anticipation is building as the event draws near, and Mombasa is expected to flourish as a major international travel destination, attracting tourists from all over the world. Mombasa is prepared to present to the world the finest of Kenya’s coastal treasures with the correct blend of culture, cuisine, sustainability, and entertainment.

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