Hoteliers in Diani upbeat as travel expo boosts bookings

What you need to know:

  • At least 180 travel and tourism players from across the world, as well as local tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and county government officials are expected to take part in the three-day event.
  • Kwale Tourism Executive Adan Sheikh said the county would capitalise on the expo to showcase its popular Diani Beach, which, months ago, was cited by the World Travel Awards as Africa’s best beach.

Hotels in Diani, Kwale County are fully booked, owing to a travel expo that begins on Thursday.

International tour firms, travel agents, airline representatives and travel writers have arrived in the country ahead of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo.

This is Kenya’s biggest travel show and will take place at the Leisure Lodge Resort in Diani until Saturday.

It is the first time the Kenya Tourism Board is hosting the expo in Diani. The move is aimed at reviving tourism in the region.

At least 180 travel and tourism players from across the world, as well as local tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and county government officials are expected to take part in the three-day event.

Yesterday, Jacaranda Ocean Beach Resort General Manager Ann Safari said the hotel was full due to visitors attending the expo.

She said bookings had jumped from 30 to 100 per cent.

“We thank the board for hosting the expo in Diani as it has boosted hotel occupancy in the region,” she said. “The tour operators and travel agents from around the world will help us get more tourist bookings as they will market Diani in their countries.”

Leopard Beach Resort General Manager Omar Mohamed said bookings at the hotel had soared to more than 90 per cent due to the event.

“For months, our occupancy rate has been ranging between 20 and 30 per cent due to the low number of international visitors,” he said. “But this week, we will be busy as the local travel show has attracted both local and international exhibitors to Diani.”

Diani Beach Resort and Spa Chief Executive Officer Titus Kangangi said the hotel is enjoying brisk business.

He said it was not only hosting some of the delegates but also a cocktail and dinner for the participants.

The hotelier said the dinner would be held on the seafront of Diani for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the popular South Coast destination.

Kwale Tourism Executive Adan Sheikh said the county would capitalise on the expo to showcase its popular Diani Beach, which, months ago, was cited by the World Travel Awards as Africa’s best beach.

Tourism board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa said 35 countries from Africa, Europe, Asia and America will be represented at the fifth edition of the expo.