Coast hotels record 90 per cent bookings

By Philip Mwakio

Mombasa, Kenya: Coast hotels have reported 90 per cent occupancy.

This also includes star rated tourist establishments during this festive season. According to Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, Coast Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye said out of the total, 70 per cent of the arrivals in Coast hotels are mainly locals and regional tourists from neighbouring states.

 He noted that during the same period last year, the industry recorded 100 per cent occupancy. 

“We faced elections this year which affected our bookings. When dealing with international contracts that overseas tour firms sign up with local hotels, this is a critical issue as bookings are done and confirmed prior to arrivals,” he said.

Ikwaye said Mombasa and the Coastal region have remained resilient over time in the wake of dwindling arrivals by overseas tourists.

He was, however, optimistic that the coming years might prove to be good for the industry now that mega support infrastructure projects like the Dongo Kundu road by-pass, upgrading of both Manda and Ukunda airstrips in Lamu and Diani, Kwale are in the offing.

Leisure Lodge Resort and Spa Executive Assistant Manager at the South Coast, Gomeri Kombo, said delays occasioned by Likoni Ferry had affected occupancy but expects it to go up towards Christmas.

“We are at  70 per cent occupancy but we expect it to rise to 100 per cent during Christmas time as Kenyans are used to last minute rush.”

Apart from physical infrastructure upgrade, the Coast is experiencing a boom in new hotels coming up with the latest being Best Western Creek Hotel near the Nyali bridge, the boutique Kingfisher Resort in Kanamai in Kilifi and Lotfa Resort in Diani, Kwale County.

Ikwaye, however challenged the Central government to give more attention to the tourism industry and stop overlooking it ahead of agriculture and ICT. 

“It is a fact that year in year out, the tourism industry has been getting a raw deal. Top tourism marketer Kenya Tourism Board is underfunded, which curtails its effort to reach newer markets,” he said.

Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association Executive Officer Millie Odhiambo said the county was expecting increased visitors since it will be playing host to both the National Miss Tourism pageant and cultural events.