Monthly Archives: April 2024

The number of foreign visitors visiting Kenya has grown to more than 1.5 million people each year, with citizens of the United States helping propel that surge.  Some 220,000 Americans visit Kenya each year – more than those from any other country.  Residents of the Charlotte area visit Kenya for African vacations, to pursue business opportunities, to visit family, or to participate in volunteer activities through non-profits and church groups.

From Indian Ocean beach holidays to inland wildlife safaris, the Republic of Kenya saw tourism surge by more than 80 percent in the post-COVID era. “Kenya is a dream travel destination for its abundant wildlife, spectacular beaches, outdoor adventure, culture, and cuisine,” AFAR magazine reported recently. “The country boasts 22 national parks, as well as 28 national reserves, five national sanctuaries, and dozens of community-run conservancies.”

Sacramento area residents exploring new destinations are among the 80,000 Americans who visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year.  With casual visitors unable to enter the country in recent decades, international travelers are now exploring the kingdom to enjoy its long-hidden treasures. “Saudi Arabia offers both natural and historical wonders, from the mountain resorts of Taif and the majesty of ancient Nabatean tombs to the multicolored coral reefs of the Red Sea,” the Saudi embassy stated on its website (https://www.saudiembassy.net/sports-and-recreation). 

Before the kingdom began issuing leisure tourist visas in 2019, foreign visitors to Saudi Arabia were primarily religious pilgrims, businesspeople, or government officials.  The next five years brought more than 100 million travelers to Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom's tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom,” the UN’s World Tourism Agency stated (https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-applauds-saudi-arabia-s-historic-milestone-of-100-million-tourist-arrivals#). “These achievements are a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.” Reform-minded Saudi rulers have prioritized global tourism and relaxed their country’s conservative culture, helping open their society to more foreigners.

The rich culture and centuries-old history of Russia have made it a favorite destination for tourists from the New Orleans area for decades.  The largest country in the world, the Russian Federation crosses 11 time zones, spanning Asia and Eastern Europe to reach the Pacific Ocean near Alaska.  Russia is home to numerous museums, palaces, cathedrals, historic sites, sunny beaches, and majestic ski resorts.

Some 143 million people from more than 190 ethnic groups live in Russia, primarily residing in urban areas and concentrated in the western regions of the country.  The nation’s recorded history dates back more than 1,100 years, including establishment of the Russian Empire in 1721, the Russian Revolution in 1917, the rise and fall of Soviet Union during the Twentieth Century, and the founding of the Russian Federation in 1991.

During the late 2010s, more than 32 million foreign travelers visited Russia.  However, since the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leisure and business travel has plummeted.  About 8.8 foreigners visited Russia in 2023, just a 3.5% increase over 2022, according to the Russian government.