All Kenyans can enjoy a fun holiday at low cost

By Hans

Even with the emphasis on the benefits of local tourism, the industry is still not getting the attention and funding it rightly deserves. Anastanzia Wakesho, the National Chairperson of the Domestic Tourism Council of Kenya, is concerned that since they re-launched in November 2007, they have not received any funding from the Ministry of Tourism. The organization relies on handouts to market the sub-sector, which contributes up to 60 per cent of the total tourism industry turnover.

Wakesho visited Malindi recently accompanied by Orie Rogo Manduli, arguably the most flamboyantly dressed lady in Kenya, to help create awareness on local tourism. Their message was that holidays should not only be for the wealthy but for the common mwananchi as well. Manduli brought to Malindi her lively presence with her extrovert nature when talking to everybody, including journalists.

At an earlier marketing campaign, a number of single mothers complained that holidays were unaffordable. One of them said: "We also deserve an affordable break and quality time with our kids after the stress of combining motherhood with a demanding job."

Snorkelling trip

This is how they got an exciting offer from Coral Key. Children aged 10 years and below paid nothing. Many mothers turned up with their young children and had a great time. One of the highlights of this special holiday treat was a snorkeling trip to Malindi’s Marine Park where they got the opportunity to feed the beautifully-coloured coral fish with breadcrumbs.

The mother and children also enjoyed swimming in the ocean. One little girl by the name of Sharon had never swam in the ocean. She put on a mask and snorkel and, with help of handsome Abulahi, the boat captain, dove into the ocean and had lots of fun.

Another child, Miriam, could not even swim but after encouragement from others, she went into the ocean. The children giggled and laughed as she screamed that the small fishes were nibbling her. The many pictures shot will be a good reminder to the mothers and children of the good times they had on this holiday.

Saving for holiday

It is sad that many Kenyans do not know that a trip to the Coast is affordable, that with a little discipline they can save just like foreign tourists do, and ultimately enjoy an annual holiday. It is important to compare various holiday packages in order to find the one most suitable to your pocket and your individual or family needs. In this day and age, people can surf on the Internet (e.g. www.localtourismkenya.com) and discover exciting packages. For instance, a five-day camping trip over Easter in April, inclusive of breakfast, a snorkelling trip, party with lunch and drinks, costs only Sh6,000 per person.

It is encouraging that domestic tourism is growing slowly to the delight of hoteliers, curio sellers, disco owners and the Kenya Wildlife Service, who have been supportive in encouraging all Kenyans to experience the magnificent world underwater.