Machakos hotel profits from rising sports tourism

One of the largest hospitality facilities in Machakos County is banking on domestic, conferencing and sports tourism to grow its revenue this year.

Gelian Hotel has especially been used by international sports teams on assignment in Kenya when league matches are hosted at the Machakos stadium.

It opened doors four years ago. “Our international standards that mirror the mission and mandate of the owners have endeared us to many sports teams and tourists who want to sample what an area outside the City of Nairobi has to offer,” the hotel’s general manager, George Ochiel, told Weekend Business.

The hotel has 95 rooms with two presidential suites, four ambassadorial rooms, 36 deluxe suites while the rest are standard.

“Our entry into the local hospitality industry at the heart of bustling Machakos has helped in solving the lack of high quality hotel accommodation in the fast growing town,” said Mr Ochiel.

He added that the hotel is only eight minutes away from the Kyamwilu site, a tourist attraction site where nature defies force of gravity.

“This is a must-visit area for those coming to Machakos for the first time.

“We have tailor-made packages for tours around the country-side which have proved to be very popular,” the GM said.

“In particular, most guests seem to really enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain range and county landscape from the top of the hotel.”