Kenya launched on December the construction of a cruise ship terminal at the Port of Mombasa to boost tourism which represents about 10% of its GDP.

“We are very keen on improving our port in this area to attract more passenger vessels and fully exploit the great potential that exists in our Blue Economy,”  said Mombasa seaport’s managing director, Catherine Mturi, Reuters cited.

Mrs. Mturi added that Kenyan authorities expect the terminal to attract 140,000 tourists per year and generate $52 million of revenues each year.

The cost of this project, which will be the first of the kind in Kenya, is estimated at Sh350 million ($3.4 million). Government and private firm Trade Mark East Africa will provide the financing.