British firms slash airfares to Kenya
Two key UK-based airlines that fly most days to Nairobi have slashed their economy fares for flights. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are both charging as little as £399 return for some flights. Photo/FILE
A number of key British holiday companies and airlines that fly regularly to Nairobi and Mombasa have slashed their new year prices in a bid to attract new customers.
Kenyan specialists Kuoni are offering up to 30 per cent of their major safaris to the Masai Mara and other safari destinations this year while Hayes and Jarvis are offering four-star all-inclusive holidays for 15 days for about £1,150 (Sh141,000).
Some holidays in Kenya are being offered to British holidaymakers for as little as £399 (Sh49,000) as tour operators try “loss leaders” to kick-start the long haul market, which has been badly hit by the British government’s introduction of increased airport tax duties on long haul flights.
The market feeling is mixed on the potential for tourism growth in Kenya and Africa as a whole in 2010, with some believing that the continent will benefit from South Africa hosting the Fifa World Cup and price reductions in many national parks, while others fear the economic recession will see long haul destinations missing out this year.
Last year saw a dramatic recovery in the tourism sector in Kenya and from January to August the number of tourists who arrived by air was 611,000, only 11 per cent behind the 2007 record. But the jury is still out for 2010.
Two key UK-based airlines that fly most days to Nairobi have slashed their economy fares for flights. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are both charging as little as £399 (Sh49,000) return for some flights.
Kenya continues to benefit from the Obama effect, with African Americans and Britons of African descent travelling to Kenya to see the US president’s family background.
