Watamu, Diani named among world’s best beaches

By Philip Mwakio

Mombasa,Kenya; The  crowing of Watamu and Diani beaches among the best 25 beach destinations in Africa has been lauded by stakeholders in the multi billion shilling tourism industry at the Coast.

According to CNN Travel, Watamu and Diani were ranked second and third behind eventual winner Sharm-el-Sheikh of Egypt.

Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman Mohamed Hersi termed the recognition as God sent.

“What God has given Kenya in terms of beaches is unrivalled and world class,” Hersi, who is also Regional General Manager for Sarova Group of Hotels, Coast said.

But Hersi chided the Government for failing to fully support the development of beach heritage, by enhancing infrastructure and encouraging conservation.

“There is lip service when it comes to ensuring that beaches are easily accessible and security for all guaranteed. But we still encounter harassment of tourists along our pristine beaches,’’ he said.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said the recognition was the result of sustained efforts by players and stakeholders in the industry to ensure beaches are clean, safe, and carefully managed.

“This is good news to destination Kenya, coming hot on the heels of KTB being voted as Africa’s leading Tourism Board 2012 during a hotly contested event in UK by travel agents across the globe. The two beaches have further positioned Kenya as a prized destination due to their appeal to a wide range of travellers,” said Muriithi.

Marine reserve park

Watamu’s white beaches is part of the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, a marine protected area —  where snorkeling and diving around the offshore coral formations is said to be the best in East Africa.

Watamu is also an important breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles.

Diani, the idyllic 20-kilometre stretch of palm-fringed beach is kept pristine and clear of seaweed by the coral reef just offshore. This coastal paradise has become one of Kenya’s most popular beaches.

The latest ranking adds credence to beach management programme championed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which has given the country’s coastal beaches a new life.

Hoteliers along the beach have put up sun beds adjacent to their properties, introduced full waiter services to enable clients get served at the beach.

Under this programme , there are frequent patrols, daily beach clean up and reorganisation of beach vendors, making beaches friendly to tourists.