Coast hotel rebrands as more tourists expected

BY PHILIP MWAKIO

Stakeholders in the multi-billion shilling tourism industry are taking the cue from the government and moving with speed to rebrand and renovate their establishments in anticipation of booming tourist arrivals.

A number of establishments within the Coast, Kenya’s tourist hub, are optimistic that the number of visitors to the country would be higher than previous years.

Tourism Minister, Dan Mwazo is assisted by chairman of Hillpark Group of Hotels Prof Joe Wanjau (left) unveil a plaque to commemorate the rebranding of Hillpark Hotel in Tiwi, South Coast, last week. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/standard].

Newly appointed Tourism Minister Dan Mwazo, who spoke last week, when presiding over the official opening of the rebranded Hillpark Hotel, Tiwi Beach branch, in Kwale Country, said aggressive marketing and branding of tourist sites will enable the country hit the 3-million tourist mark a year.

The minister said the media played a key role in the sector’s growth and asked journalists to support efforts to revamp the industry. "The Kenyan media has done more harm than good by magnifying minor incidents of insecurity to appear like they are of international magnitude. This is really impacting negatively on this sector," lamented Mwazo.

Hillpark Hotel – Tiwi Beach formally commenced operations in 2003 then trading as Maweni Beach cottages with 15 units all on self-catering.

Last week marked a significant milestone in the hotel’s history following its rebranding.

"In 2005 we acquired the Capricho Beach Cottages and redeveloped them to meet the changing client needs and tastes- undertaken in stages as the business was running. With this development Maweni & Capricho beach Resort came into being,’’ general manager George Swanya said.

He said the second phase involved re-doing a free flow swimming pool, a bar and 90 seater restaurant as well as a construction of new hotel rooms.

And in 2010 the hotel put up a modern conference centre to tap into the emerging and fast growing conference tourism market.

Combine business

‘‘This enabled us offer a wholesome package to clients who could now combine business with leisure. Pomboo is a Kiswahili name for Dolphin one of the brightest mammals. We have never disappointed as conference tourism forms part of our large hotel client base,’’ Swanya said.

The hotel has fully embraced eco-tourism and takes the cue in environmental conservation and green energy.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) managing director Mureithi Ndegwa hailed Hillpark management for renovating the facility saying it will help meet the high demand for conference facilities.

"Conference tourism has been embraced the world over and Kenya still lags behind in this. This is a good move as we gear towards meeting the expectations of the fastest and new mode of tourism," Ndegwa said.