By M, KNA
Tourism stakeholders in Mombasa and other coastal areas are preparing for a booming business this December holiday season.
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 hotel owners and other stakeholders are looking forward to a better holiday season compared to last year adding a series of events and entertainments for holidaymakers were in the offing.
He lauded the government for undertaking major infrastructure improvement in the region that he said had boosted the tourism industry.
Ikwaye challenged tourist hotels and apartments to provide special packages to attract domestic visitors who he said sustain the industry during difficult periods.
“Hotels at the Coast expect booming business during the December holidays, with many already reporting high bookings,” said Maureen Obunga, the General Manager of Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi.
Obunga said her hotel is already fully booked throughout the holiday season with local visitors contributing a significant number, adding that the season has kicked off very well compared to the same period last year.
A veteran hotelier Fred Kiuru lauded the introduction of Mombasa commuter rail service saying this will ease 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 the hotelier.
Kiuru 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 international tourists alike.
Earlier, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said Kenya recorded 2.4 million international tourists in 2024, representing a 14.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. “The 2024 inbound tourism earnings rose to Sh452.2 billion, a 19.79 per cent growth compared to 2023,” said CS Miano.
She was speaking during the launch of the Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report 2024 and the Report on Sustainability and Impact of Climate Change on the Tourism Sector in Kenya.
Mombasa and other coastal areas are the preferred holiday destinations for many Kenyans and foreign visitors to savour their beautiful sandy beaches stretched out from the South to the North coast and tropical ambience.
Coastal region has witnessed major construction and upgrade of infrastructure projects worth billions of shillings by the national government to facilitate transportation of goods and passengers and thus boost the economy of the area.
