Mombasa: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, hotels in the region are receiving encouraging bookings and reservations, with local holidaymakers accounting for the highest percentage. Sam Ikwaye, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Hotel Owners and Caterers (Coast), mentioned that hotel owners and other stakeholders are looking forward to a better holiday season compared to last year, with a series of events and entertainments planned for holidaymakers. He also praised the government for major infrastructure improvements in the region, which have boosted the tourism industry.
Ikwaye urged tourist hotels and apartments to provide special packages to attract domestic visitors who sustain the industry during difficult periods. Maureen Obunga, the General Manager of Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, highlighted that her hotel is already fully booked throughout the holiday season, with local visitors contributing significantly. She noted that the season has commenced positively compared to the same period last year.
Veteran hotelier Fred Kiuru applauded the introduction of the Mombasa commuter rail service, which will ease passenger flow between the mainland and Mombasa Island, attracting more local and international visitors. He emphasized that the completion of the Sh45 billion Dongo Kundu bypass, which improves connectivity between Mombasa and the South Coast, is a significant boost to the tourism sector. This bypass provides connection from the Moi International Airport and SGR terminus, enhancing the tourism and hospitality industry in the coastal region.
Kiuru noted that the bypass has greatly reduced dependence on the Likoni Ferry channel, which was previously challenging for passengers and motorists due to frequent mechanical issues, delays, congestion, and safety concerns.
Earlier, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reported that Kenya recorded 2.4 million international tourists in 2024, 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, she stated 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 remain preferred holiday destinations for both Kenyans and foreign visitors, thanks to their beautiful sandy beaches and tropical ambience. The coastal region has seen major construction and upgrading of infrastructure projects worth billions of shillings by the national government to facilitate transportation of goods and passengers, boosting the area's economy.