The government has launched the construction of the first ever
cruise ship terminal at the Mombasa port at a cost of Sh350 million.
Tourism
secretary Najib Balala Friday said Sh250 million of the construction
cash will come from the Kenya Ports Authority while Sh100 million is
from TradeMark East Africa.
The project involves the
modernisation of an old building at the port’s berth number 1. It will
be rehabilitated into a world-class cruise terminal.
Speaking
at the Port of Mombasa, when he officially launched the construction
of terminal Friday, Mr Balala said the project is expected to be
completed in July next year.
The tourism CS noted that the terminal will be ready for use when the next cruise tourism season begins in September 2017.
“The
availability of a cruise terminal at the port of Mombasa will be a game
changer to the tourism industry as it will help attract more
international tourists to the country,” he said.
Mr
Balala said the facility would offer services to tourists when they
arrive at the port or when departing for other destinations.
“Over
the years, there has been no terminal at the port to cater for tourists
who arrive by sea. But I am glad that by next July we shall have a
modern cruise ship facility,” he added.
Mr Balala said
he was impressed that cruise tourism was on recovery with two cruise
ships having arrived this month alone with more than 1,000 tourists and
crew.
Tourists who arrive in the country by sea, he
added, had boosted the tourism industry and the economy, since they
visit national parks and excursions in Mombasa Town.
The
Cabinet Secretary directed new Kenya Tourism Board chief executive
officer Betty Radier to give cruise tourism marketing a priority to woo
more tourists.
Mr Balala said the government will
February next year host 3,000 travel agents from the US for them to
familiarise with the local tourism products. He noted that the country
would also participate in a cruise tourism convention to take place in
Miami, USA, next year to attract more cruise liners to bring tourists to
the country.
Attract more ships
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said his county government fully supports the cruise ship terminal project.
The
governor added that the terminal is an important project as it would
attract more ships to cruise to Mombasa. “Tourism is the economic driver
of Mombasa and as well help create jobs for our youth. I therefore
support the development of tourist facilities,” he said.
KPA managing director Catherine Mturi-Wairi, said the launch of the construction of the cruise terminal comes at a time when the port is experiencing a rise in ship arrivals.
KPA managing director Catherine Mturi-Wairi, said the launch of the construction of the cruise terminal comes at a time when the port is experiencing a rise in ship arrivals.
Last season, she said, the port received 10 cruise ships which brought in more than 6,000 tourists.
“This
season, we have so far received two vessels and more are expected to
bring holidaymakers between this month and March next year,” she added.
The
KPA boss said a survey which was carried out in 2015 by Tourism and
Transport Consult International on cruise tourist potential for Kenya
showed that Mombasa could easily attract 140,000 passengers per year.
She
said the cruise terminal will offer a range of facilities including a
lounge area for passengers, reception counters for cruise operators,
restaurants and souvenir shops.
“The ultra-modern facility will give our visitors the opportunity to relax upon arrival and before departure,” she said.
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