Hotel bookings hit all-time high ahead of Christmas

By Philip Mwakio

Coast tourist hotels have reported booming business ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.

According to the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), this year’s occupancy in star-rated hotels has surpassed that of last year.

In an interview yesterday, KAHC Coast Branch Chairman Titus Kangangi said most hotels were fully booked.

"There is a very good mix with 40 per cent of bookings being done by locals while the remaining is with the traditional overseas visitors," Mr Kangangi said.

The official said hotels have prepared adequately to host holidaymakers and had lined up a series of activities to usher in the festive season.

However, Kangangi said hotels in the South Coast have been greatly disadvantaged due to frequent ferry mishaps at the Likoni Channel.

Entertainment spots

"There has been a number of cancellations by guests to the South Coast and we hope new ferries will be delivered to ensure efficient service by New Year," Kangangi, who is also general manager of Sunrise Beach Resort Apartment & Spa, said.

A spot check in a number of entertainment spots indicated they too had lined up events to usher in the festivities.

At the popular Maasai Club in Diani South Coast, management has organised dancing competition to run through the season.

Other joints like Club Lambada will host leading music artistes.