Boost for tourism as German airline to resume flights

Ongoing efforts to revive tourism in Kenya have received a major boost after a German airline announced introduction of weekly flights from Munich to Mombasa.

Condor Airlines’ announcement came just a fortnight after the United Kingdom lifted travel advisories it issued against Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale last year.

It also came just three weeks after another German airline, Lufthansa, announced resumption of flights from Frankfurt to Nairobi in October, bringing hope to the ailing sector.

Condor is currently operating three weekly flights from Frankfurt to Mombasa.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie yesterday noted the flights will boost ailing tourism sector.

She noted the flights will improve hotel occupancy which has been at its lowest level ever as the number of international holidaymakers dwindled over insecurity.

“I am glad two German airlines are now resuming flights to Nairobi and Mombasa at a time when the country is experiencing a low number of international tourists,” Ms Kandie said.

“It is also encouraging that Condor Airline is introducing flights from Munich to Mombasa in addition to its weekly flights from Frankfurt to Mombasa,” she added.

“We thank the German government for supporting the Kenyan tourism sector. Condor is the only European chartered airline operating flights to Mombasa currently.”

Ms Kandie also noted the airline will open up business opportunities for investors while boosting relations between Kenya and Germany.

“Kenya is a regional power in Africa with a thriving economy. Our economy is one of the strongest in the continent and we hope the ease of travel between Kenya and Germany will improve business relationships and opportunities between companies and agencies involved in commerce and tourism,” the CS added.  

Condor is one of the leading commercial German airline based on fleet size and passenger-capacity.  The airline has the capacity to bring 6.7 million passengers annually to over 75 destinations around the world.

All European chartered airlines, save for Condor, stopped flying to Mombasa after the US, UK, France and Australia issued travel advisories May last year.

More than 500 British tourists were also evacuated from the Coast region following the travel bans.

The bans followed a string of terror attacks in Mombasa and Lamu counties.

Hotels were hard hit as international tourist kept off.

Kenya Association of Tour Operators (Kato) Coast branch chairperson Monika Solanki could not hide her joy yesterday the news that Condor would introduce flights to Mombasa trickled in.

“This is very good news. This will definitely boost international tourist.”