By Antony Gitonga
The number of visitors to Naivasha over the festive season doubled with the town emerging as the second favourite destination after Mombasa.
According to hoteliers, the number of tourists, both local and international, increased in 2012 compared to 2011. The traders had booming business during Christmas and New Year and were confident of doing better at the end of this year.
They pointed out at improved security, better and fair hotels and the close proximity to Nairobi for the sharp rise in the number of visitors.
According to the CEO Crayfish Hotel Peter Mehta, Naivasha had turned out to be the main competitor for the Coastal region.
Mehta said due to the harsh economic times and terror threats at the Coast, many had decided to visit the lake side town.
He praised security officers for heightening security during and after the period, noting crime had gone down remarkably.
The proprietor La Belle, Mr Mark Kariuki, echoed the sentiments and pointed out to quality hotels, Lake Naivasha and various game parks as well as improved security as reasons for the increased numbers of visitors to Naivasha.
