Booming business at the Coast as hotels enjoy 70 per cent occupancy
Some of the 120 tourists from The Netherlands who arrived at the Coast on November 7, 2018 enjoy coconut drinks at a reception at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) playing an important part in bringing visitors from different parts of the country to the Coast.
- Chartered flights from countries like Poland and The Netherlands are flocking Mombasa airport with tourists.
Hotels at the Coast are doing roaring business thanks to the school holiday, as well as the arrivals of domestic and international tourists.
According to Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Chief Executive Officer Sam Ikwaye, the hotels in are enjoying 70 per cent occupancy.
“During this festive season, we expect hotels in Mombasa to enjoy up to 100 per cent occupancy, boosted by both local and international tourists coming for the December holiday,” he said.
Mr Ikwaye added that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is playing an important part in bringing visitors from different parts of the country.
“A lot of domestic tourists are coming to the Coast using the SGR trains, and this is encouraging,” he said.
He anticipates that chartered flights to Mombasa and Nairobi will also boost business.
Meanwhile, Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman Mohamed Hersi added that the peace and tranquillity the country is enjoying is attracting tourists.
“Most hotels in both the south and north coasts are enjoying an occupancy rate of 70 per cent. When there is peace and calm, the tourism and hotel businesses thrive,” Mr Hersi said.
He added that chartered flights from countries like Poland and The Netherlands are flocking Mombasa airport with tourists.
“These chartered flights are promoting the sector and we are looking forward to receiving more tourists, both local and international, during this holiday,” Mr Hersi said.
