Kenya’s Hotel Sector On A High As Mombasa/Coastal Businesses Cash In On Holiday Tourism

Some ventures operating in Kenya’s accommodation industry, including tourist establishments, are having the best business.

During the Christmas holidays, hotels and apartments operating in Mombasa and other coastal areas are doing a brisk business as there is a swell in the number of local and international visitors. 

Based on what is the most sought-after, Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu and Diani have become the most popular holiday destinations for Kenyans.

This period, Kenyans and foreign tourists are rushing in to have a swell time in the sandy beaches and tropical ambience. The businesses, in question, are recorded 1oo percent patronage as all their facilities are being occupied. 

Food vendors, transport firm and beach operators are also cashing in. Collectively, the spike comes as tourist numbers slightly went up by 54 percent in the coastal region, Samburu and Maasai Mara during the yuletide. 

In comparison with last year, this year’s tourists numbers is lower than what was forecast by industry insiders. To put things into perspective, in 2018, the number increased by 20 percent. The decline is reportedly the aftermath of the attack which hit Nairobi’s Dusit D2 in January 2019. 

On the general scope, Kenya’s travel and tourism industry grew at a 5.6 percent rate in 2018. That growth exceeded global and regional levels, according to the WTTC.

To capitalize on the growth, Dubai-based independent hotel management company Aleph Hospitality launched the BEst Western Plus Westlands hotel in Nairobi in early December. 

The new opening, which introduced the Best Western Plus brand to one of the city’s most sought-after commercial districts, marked Aleph Hospitality’s continued expansion in Kenya

According to the hoteliers, there has been a substantial increase in the number of domestic visitors. It would appear that Kenyans are appreciating offerings in their homes more, thanks to aggressive marketing, friendly packages and the rollout of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). 

Image Courtesy: Travel Triangle