Hospitality industry reaps big as residents join Easter festivities

Kisumu's hospitality industry is eyeing brisk business as residents and some foreign tourists pitched tent in the region to celebrate the Easter holiday festivities.

The events coincide with a series of leisure activities lined up in the lakeside city which are expected to attract several participants keen to enjoy the region's tourism exploits.

On Saturday, residents pitched tent at Hippo Point to mark the start of a 'fish fiesta' organised by the county government to showcase talents.

A comedy show dubbed 'Onagi' show is also scheduled to thrill holiday lovers, while a plus-size fashion show has also been organised as part of the festivities.

But it is the hotel industry that is looking forward to a successful season after weeks of economic gloom that was brought by the bi-weekly mass protests organised by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

A number of hotels said they registered an increase in the number of bookings for both local and international tourists.

Robinson Anyal, the chairman of Lake Victoria Tourism Association, said they are keen to ensure that the activities lined up for the celebrations market the region as key tourism destination.

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"As an association, in partnership with other stakeholders, we will be hosting fish fiesta at Hippo Point beach to boost cultural and cruise tourism around Lake Victoria. The event is a celebration of Easter in style for the local and domestic tourists," said Anyal.

Anyal said there will be various activities including cruising on the lake with a water bus and boat race competitions, fashion shows and talk shows.

According to Anyal, visitors will have many options to chose from, including local delicacies. Some hotel managers said they are hoping to boost their income by offering friendly prices to visitors.

Acacia hotel management said it is ready to host guests and has planned special packages.

"We we plan to give our clients a good experience this Easter; we have special choma platters, a live band for good Friday dinner and a special choma buffet lunch on Sunday with live music at our rooftop bar," said Pauline Anyona, the sales and marketing manager.

At Royal City Hotel, General Manager Nelson Miguna said with the planned events in Kisumu over the weekend, they project over 50 per cent occupancy rates in their hotels.

Melvic Hotel Manager Godfrey Otieno said they are also projecting an increase in business.

"With the calling off of the countrywide demonstrations, containment of the Covid-19 pandemic, fish fiesta ongoing and the growing anxiety to explore the western tourism circuit, the lakeside town of Kisumu is definitely going to see an increase in travellers."

At Best Western Hotel, a series of events including fun activities for children have been organised with the facility also keen on making a killing with the holidays.

Peter Ayuko, the hotel General Manager said they have also discounted some activities.

"Kisumu is calm and we expect to do business during the festivities," he said.