By Philip Mwakio

Coast hoteliers have welcomed the announcement by Ethiopian Airlines to start flights into Moi International Airport, Mombasa next month.

They said the move will help boost growth and recovery of regional tourism.

They urged other airlines to follow suit.

Ashnil Group of Hotels Sales and Marketing Manager, Paul Kurgat said the new entrant will open up Kenyan Coast to business and tourism prospects to the Ethiopian and other international travellers.

Robert Kinyua, General Manager of the North Coast Beach Hotel said it will not only benefit the hospitality industry, but also the business community.

"For a long time now, air access into Mombasa has been wanting, but with the coming of this new flight we expect increased visitor flow into our destination,’’ Kinyua said.

In a paid up advertisement, the airline said it will start operating into the Moi International Airport from next month.

The airline has opened a new office at Mombasa’s TSS Towers. Kinyua said the coastal region needed international flights to help boost bed occupancy among star-rated hotels.

Sunrise Beach Resort Apartment and Spa General Manager Titus Kangangi said lack of enough flights into Mombasa impacted negatively on the industry.

Kangangi, who is also the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch chairman said currently the number of international charter flights from key source markets of Europe was not enough.