Barbados seeks direct flights to Kenya to boost tourism

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc says the lack of direct flights is the biggest barrier to converting Kenyan travel interest into visits, and its Africa and Middle East markets director is using the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi to build demand and relationships with travel players. Barbados is visa‑free for all Kenyan travelers but has no direct air access from Kenya, requiring connections through the United Kingdom or the United States where transit visas may be required.

An alternative route is available through Amsterdam during the October‑to‑April winter period using KLM, which offers a visa‑free transit option, and Barbados has twice‑monthly connectivity from Lagos through Air Peace. BTMI established its Africa and Gulf Cooperation Council regional headquarters in Nairobi in February and is a member of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents and the Tour Operator Society of Kenya.