The Coastal City of Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties have witnessed a major tourists surge with hotels and other accommodation facilities reporting high bed occupancy during this festive season.
The Coastal counties are the preferred holiday destinations for many Kenyans and foreign tourists who visit to savour the beautiful sandy beaches stretched out from the South to the North coast and tropical ambience.
The Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) Rhoda Onyancha has assured adequate security to the local and international tourists visiting the area for December holiday.
said all security arrangements have been put in place to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday season.
“We have deployed adequate security personnel and enhanced patrols at the beaches and other popular joints, ” said the Regional Commissioner during an interview with Kenya News Agency in Mombasa.
The Administrator called on the public to report any suspected person or illegal activities saying the region has witnessed improved security in the last three years due to co-operation between the wananchi and police.
“Beside a few isolated criminal cases, the region has enjoyed peace and security as a result of the co-operation between the public and security personnel including village elders,’’ she added.
Onyancha also commended the close working relationship between the national and county governments saying it has helped to drastically reduce the rate of crime in the region.
Meanwhile, hoteliers and those in tourism related businesses are optimistic of brisk business and expect high bed occupancy following increased bookings and enquiries. “Hotels in the region are receiving encouraging bookings and reservations with local holidaymakers accounting for the highest percentage,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Hotel Owners and Caterers (Coast) Sam Ikwaye.
Ikwaye said hotels and other stakeholders are looking forward to a better holiday season compared to last year saying hotels and other facilities are fully prepared and have lined up a series of events and entertainments for holidaymakers.
He lauded the government for undertaking major infrastructure improvement in the region that he said was a boost to the tourism industry The hotelier noted that the introduction of Mombasa commuter rail service has eased passenger flow between the mainland and Mombasa Island resulting in more local and international visitors.
He also said the completion of the Sh45 billion Dongo Kundu bypass, which provides a direct route and improves connectivity between Mombasa and the South Coast, is a major boost to the tourism sector.
“It is providing connection from the Moi International Airport and SGR terminus hence improving tourism and hospitality industry in the coastal region,” added Ikwaye.
The hotelier contends that the bypass has drastically reduced dependence on Likoni Ferry channel saying it was a ‘nightmare’ for passengers and motorists due to frequent mechanical challenges, delays, vehicles congestion and safety concerns for both locals and tourists.
Ikwaye challenged tourist hotels and apartments to provide special incentive packages to attract domestic visitors who he said have sustained the industry during the difficult period.
By Mohamed Hassan
