Hoteliers want new zones for beach traders

Hoteliers at the Coast have urged county chiefs to urgently address harassment of tourists by beach operators.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers official Philip Chai said governors should address the menace which was hindering growth in the sector.

The counties, he said, should create zones where the beach operators could sell their merchandise to allow tourists to sunbathe or relax without interference.

“Locals and visitors coming here on holiday should be left to have fun on the beaches rather than be disturbed by traders,” he added.

He continued: “Designated zones should be formed so that the beach operators could sell their artefacts elsewhere.”

Kilifi tourism executive Alphonce Tokali said the county had budgeted Sh40 million in this financial year for the establishment of markets for beach operators.

Once the projects are completed, he said, all beach operators would be required to vacate.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya said the county would formulate laws to regulate use of beaches at the South Coast.

“Without tourists, the beach operators will lack market for their businesses and therefore they should stop harassing the visitors,” he added.

In Baringo County, the tourism sector is enjoying a boom as the high season approaches with hotels nearing full bookings.

According to the senior warden in charge of Lake Bogoria Game Reserve, Mr William Kimosop, a move by the Unesco to list the reserve as a world heritage sites has also boosted its marketing status internationally.

Mr Kimosop said they were expecting more than 180,000 tourists by the end of this year up from 105,000 last year with tourists from China leading the pack. The turnout in the in the past two months alone has been 3,000.

“Domestic tourism is beginning to thrive with the number of Kenyans touring the reserve also increasing,” the warden told the Nation.