Industry participants at the Africa Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Summit in Mombasa highlighted that the price of travelling between African nations is becoming a major obstacle to attracting more international conferences.

Speakers noted that while many African countries have invested in hotels, conference centres and related facilities, delegates still struggle to reach and move between destinations because of costly air travel, restrictive visa policies and high taxes.

The summit participants warned that flight costs can directly influence where international organisers decide to hold events, especially when delegates are travelling from multiple parts of the continent.

Stakeholders called for simplified visa procedures and better air connections between African cities to make business travel more affordable and convenient.

They also urged the creation of a stronger convention bureau to market African destinations, identify event opportunities and coordinate bids for major conferences and exhibitions.

According to the discussions, improving physical infrastructure alone will not boost Africa’s share of the global MICE market; easing travel barriers is essential.

Kenya’s existing conference facilities and hotels were acknowledged as capable of hosting large international gatherings, but participants said the country must address connectivity, visa access and travel costs to remain competitive.

For Mombasa, which seeks to attract more business events, increased conference activity could generate additional revenue for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other service providers.