Eldoret Makes History as First Hot Air Balloon Takes Flight During World Tourism Day Celebrations

 By Wasike Elvis

Eldoret has witnessed a historic first after a hot air balloon took to the skies over the city during the 2026 United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations.

Tourism Principal Secretary Prof. Amb. Julius Bitok said the maiden hot air balloon flight at the University of Eldoret marked a significant moment for the North Rift as Kenya showcased the region’s growing tourism potential.

Bitok said the hot air balloon experience formed part of activities marking World Tourism Day and the Kenya Tourism Week, which is being hosted in Eldoret for the first time in many years.

“Today, I had the privilege of witnessing a historic moment as we took flight in the first-ever hot air balloon in Eldoret, right here at the University of Eldoret, as we celebrate UN World Tourism Day,” Bitok said.

The event placed Eldoret and the wider North Rift at the centre of national tourism activities, providing an opportunity to showcase attractions and experiences beyond the region’s renowned athletics heritage.

Bitok said the North Rift should no longer be viewed only as a region that produces world-class athletes, arguing that it also has diverse tourism products capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors.

He pointed to the region’s scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, hospitality and unique experiences as some of the assets that can be developed and marketed to tourists.

“For the first time in many years, Kenya Tourism Week is being hosted here in Eldoret, shining a spotlight on the incredible tourism potential of the North Rift,” Bitok said.

The hot air balloon flight is expected to add another dimension to the region’s tourism offering as stakeholders seek to diversify attractions and introduce new experiences for visitors.

The initiative comes as the Government promotes sports, culture, nature, agro-tourism and technology as key pillars in expanding Kenya’s tourism circuits.

Eldoret’s growing profile as a city, coupled with its strategic location in the North Rift and strong international athletics reputation, provides a platform for the region to market itself as a destination beyond sports.

The region is also preparing for increased international attention ahead of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which stakeholders believe could provide an opportunity to expose visitors to other tourism attractions across the North Rift.

Bitok urged Kenyans and international visitors to explore the region and experience its tourism products, hospitality and cultural diversity.

“I invite Kenyans and visitors from across the world to come to the North Rift, experience our hospitality, explore our destinations and discover a different side of Kenya,” he said.

He described the region as open and ready to welcome tourists seeking new experiences.

“The North Rift is open! Come, experience, explore and enjoy,” Bitok said.

The hot air balloon experience comes as Kenya embraces new tourism products and digital innovation under the 2026 World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

The celebrations in Eldoret have brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, investors, communities and innovators to explore new ways of promoting destinations and expanding the country's tourism economy.

The hosting of the celebrations in Eldoret has also provided an opportunity to reposition the North Rift as an emerging tourism circuit combining athletics, culture, nature, agriculture and adventure.

With the region's growing infrastructure, city status and diverse attractions, tourism stakeholders are now seeking to package and market the North Rift as a destination capable of offering visitors experiences beyond Kenya’s traditional tourism hotspots.