Tourists flock to Coast after Uhuru sworn in

Ms Nautica Cruise Ship which docked at the port of Mombasa with 642 passengers on board from Marshall Islands in North Pacific Ocean on November 25, 2017. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Business is booming at the Coast, thanks to the school holidays, conferences and international tourists fleeing winter.

According to Kenya Tourism Federation chairman Mohamed Hersi, hotels in the region are experiencing a surge in guest numbers due to the declining political uncertainty after President Kenyatta was sworn in on Tuesday.

“During the long electioneering period, international tourists had developed a wait-and-see attitude, a factor that had slowed down bookings,” Mr Hersi said.

Mr Hersi, who is also the CEO of Sun Africa Hotels, said hotel occupancy in Mombasa had jumped to between 60 and 70 per cent up from between 40 and 50 per cent last month.

The percentage is expected to between 80 and 100 during the festive season.

Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort boss Mohamed Omar said the hotel had more than 90 per cent occupancy due to families on vacation and conferences.

The hotel, he added, was also hosting regional tourists from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria and Uganda and some visitors from overseas markets.

In Tsavo East and West national parks, Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels chief executive Victor Shitakha said its lodges were busy.
In Malindi, visitor numbers are also expected to increase.