'The world is listening,' President Ruto celebrates as Nairobi is ranked best city to visit in 2024

In a post on X on Sunday, November 5, President William Ruto expressed delight at the accolade, attributing it to the government's relentless efforts to promote Kenya on the global stage.

“The world is listening. Our effort to use every local and global opportunity to profile Kenya as a competitive destination has elicited highly inspiring feedback from Lonely Planet which has recognised Nairobi as its top global city destination. We agree wholeheartedly with this assessment and positive feedback from a global authority on matters travel and tourism,” Ruto wrote. 

Ruto went on to underscore the success of initiatives aimed at attracting investors, innovators, and tourists to Kenya. 

He further lauded Nairobi, often referred to as the 'Green City Under the Sun', for its unique blend of global cosmopolitan trends and rich cultural heritage, coupled with a vibrant and dynamic youthful spirit.

“Kenya is a magnificent country endowed with a sumptuous array of spectacular touristic attractions that are liberally dispersed throughout the land, and Nairobi is its powerful, vital, beating heart. We dream in Nairobi and chase our biggest dreams here. We imagine a better present and future and then create it,”  he stated.

Additionally, the Head of State noted that the recognition would greatly benefit Kenya's tourism sector, positioning Magical Kenya as an irresistible destination for those seeking a remarkable and immersive experience.

“The award is also an indirect affirmation of Magical Kenya as an irresistible destination for those curious to encounter a beautiful country going places with a people who are always ready to engage all visitors, clients, customers and partners until their expectations are exceeded," he remarked.

He also extended an invitation to citizens worldwide to visit Kenya, emphasizing that there is no place like it anywhere in the world. 

According to the Australian-founded world travel guide, Nairobi is the top city to visit in 2024, followed by Paris (France), Montreal (Canada), Mostar (Bosnia), and Philadelphia (USA), which also made it to the top five in the list.

Furthermore, Lonely Planet ranked Mongolia as the best country to visit in 2024, with India, St. Lucia, Mexico, and Morocco following closely in the top five.