Local tourists flock to Coast amid coronavirus pandemic
Kenya’s multi-billion hospitality industry which emerged as one of the most affected sectors following the Covid-19 pandemic shocks now has the festive season to thank for growth.
Since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Kenya in March, most establishments closed down, sending thousands of workers home on unpaid leave as lockdowns and cessation of movements slowed down business.
High-end hotels, resorts and holiday homes scaled down operations as the government moved to contain spread of the virus.
As the sector enters the last lap of 2020, there is a significant change as many of local visitors flock tourist establishments for the end of the year holiday festivities.
At the Kenyan Coast, statistics show that 90 per cent of facilities are booked by domestic tourists.
As the end of year holidays beckons, increased number of tourists are trooping to the coast region, showing steady growth.
Chirtmas break
The Christmas break has offered the sector a lifeline, opening a brief window of opportunity for industry players to recoup, even as restrictions abound.
Some players in the sector attribute the surge in local visitors to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) facility between Mombasa and Nairobi.
“We are now having many Kenyans spending their Christmas holidays in Mombasa this year, this is because of the easy accessibility owing to the convenient transport system by the Rail,” said Hasnain Noorani, Kenya Coast Working group Chairman.
In Malindi, the northern parts of the coast, the Malindi Marine Park, Watamu Marine Park, Shimba Hills National Park and the Gede Ruins are already attraction large numbers of guests. Boat riders at Malindi Marine Park say business has peaked.
PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa, General Manager Ann Peggy said they are expecting bookings to go up to between 70-100 per cent before the end of the year.
Flamingo Beach resort general manager Victor Shitakha says hotel bookings have soared for holidays, adding that he expects to hit 100 per cent before Christmas.
Budget carriers
He attributes the good tiding to among others an increase in the number of budget carriers flying to the coastal town of Mombasa such as Uganda Airlines.
The extension of charter flights incentives until 2022 is also taunted as the major contributor to the tourism growth.
Victor who is also Kenya Coast Tourism Association Chairman however warns the situation may worsen in the next two years as the country heads to the election period.
The Kenyan Coast that forms one of the critical pillars of Kenya’s tourism circuits and is banking on recently unveiled new brands that positions the Kenya Coast as a destination of choice ahead of the end of year holiday festivities.
Kenya Tourism Board boss Betty Radier said the rebrand is key to showcase the diversity of Kenya’s tourism to the discerning travelers.
Coastal region has not realized its full potential inclduing lack of product differentiation and insecurity in some areas which go on to affect the entire region.
The new brands position Mombasa as a place for adventures with icons being sunshine, swimming with dolphins, deep sea diving, historical, elephant tusks, swahili dhows and fort jesus.
Diani brand offers sunshine, swim with dolphins, deep sea diving, kite surfing, Swahili dhows and Safari Shimba. The Tsavo destination will offer, Theatre of the wild, World War and famous Taita drummers.
