Mombasa port to get cruise terminal
What you need to know:
- Kenya Ports Authority sets aside Sh50 million for construction.
- Port was recently voted Africa’s leading cruise port.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has earmarked Sh50 million for the construction of a cruise terminal at the Mombasa port to help revive cruise tourism.
It comes a month after the port was voted Africa’s leading cruise port at the World Travel Awards.
This was for the first time the port won the award.
However, it lacks a cruise terminal for the welcoming tourists when the cruise ships dock.
On Monday, principal communications officer Haji Masemo said KPA has budgeted Sh50 million this financial year for the construction of the terminal.
At the moment, he added, the port lacks an area where visitors can relax upon arrival or when departing.
“After receiving global recognition, it is important for the port to have a tourism facility to cater for cruise tourists coming to Mombasa from across the world,” he said.
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Speaking to the Nation on Monday, Mr Masemo said KPA would leverage the award to attract more cruise ships.
He added that last year only two cruise ships docked at the port while so far this year only one cruise ship has arrived, back in March.
“For the last five years we have seen a slump in cruise tourism due to piracy off the Somalia coast.
“But since Kenya Defence Forces soldiers were deployed to Somalia, coupled with patrols from the international community's naval forces, piracy has declined,” he said.
Mr Masemo added that the port expects to receive three more cruise ships between September and December this year.
He explained that KPA, in collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board, will promote the port internationally to woo more holidaymakers.
“The port is a member of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association. We shall use the platform to win back the confidence of visitors,” he added.
Mombasa County Tourism executive Tumbo Odhiambo called on the port to fast track the establishment of the terminal as part of efforts to revive the ailing tourism industry.
He said there was need for the port to have a world class terminal for receiving tourists after getting the global recognition.
“It is encouraging that the port received accolades from the World Travel Awards which we must capitalise on to revamp the sector,” he said.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast vice-chairman Silas Kiti also called on KTB to market the port to boost cruise tourism.
