Russian airline debuts Mombasa, tourist numbers to go up

By Philip Mwakio

The Government projects to have 100,000 Russian tourists in the next five years.

According to tourism minister, Najib Balala, tourist arrivals from Russia have increased since 2006 with arrivals for the period January to December increasing by 61.4 per cent.

“This increase can be attributed to increased interest in the destination from trade and consumers resulting from increased publicity and advertising campaigns in the market,’’ Balala said.

The minister was speaking at the Moi International Airport Mombasa, on Friday November 4 when he received the first ever-direct charter flight, Orenair from Moscow to Mombasa.

Pegas Touristik, a Russian tour operator launched the weekly flight from Moscow’s Sheremejevo International airport operating a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Wildtrek Safaris are the ground handlers for Pegas Touristik.

On board the maiden flight were 180 passengers who included travel agents.

Balala who was flanked by Coast PC, Ernest Munyi, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) Managing Director, Mureithi Ndegwa and Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (Kahc) Coast branch chairman, Titus Kangangi assured the visitors of adequate security in the country.

Balala made a passionate plea to the Russian Government to partner with Kenya and bring in more tourists from the Russian Federation.

“We will highly appreciate if the Russian government could also review a travel advisory it had placed and instead encourage the people of Russia to undertake their dream holiday in this magical country,’’ Balala said.

For the period January to June 2011, a total of 3,392 tourists arrived into the country from Russia. Growth over time in arrivals from Russia is attributed to increased interests in destination Kenya.