Tourism is expected to perform well in the next four months as a
result of peace experienced during and after the August 8 General
Election, according to hoteliers.
Although the high
season normally begins in mid-July, the industry had slowed down as
potential tourists adopted a wait-and-see stance due to uncertainty that
characterises elections in Kenya.
But despite events
before and after the polls, a large number of international
holidaymakers flocked to the popular Maasai Mara National Reserve,
thanks to the wildebeest migration spectacle.
Safari
lovers from United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, China,
India, and Japan enjoyed game drives in the wildlife haven.
According
to the new Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) chairman, Mr Mohammed Hersi,
all safari destinations and beach resorts at the Coast enjoyed calm
during the period.
“The peace and tranquillity
experienced after the polls is a major boost to tourism. Our country has
gained a positive image in overseas markets,” he said.
Mr
Hersi, who is also the Sun Africa Hotels Group chief executive officer,
said lodges and camps in the Mara had between 60 per cent and 80 per
cent occupancy, adding that more visitors are expected in the wildlife
hotspot next month.
Full bookings
He said Keekorok Lodge in the Mara has 80 per cent occupancy and is expected to be fully booked by September.
Kenya
Tourism Board chairman Jimi Kariuki said the sector would improve after
the peaceful elections due to aggressive marketing campaigns in
traditional and emerging sources.
“Kenya is safe for
holidays as security has improved significantly. That we had peaceful
polls has boosted the country’s image,” he said.
Ashnil Hotels managing director Rajan Bhandari said lodges and camps in the wildlife paradise have been enjoying brisk business.
He
said the Ashnil Mara Camp had been busy as wildlife enthusiasts
thronged the game reserve to watch the migration of wildebeest from
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Mara. Mr Bhandari said the
camp is hosting visitors from the US, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Japan
and the Far East.
Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa
managing director Bobby Kamani said international tourist bookings have
increased in the South Coast. He noted that the hotel, which has 40 per
cent occupancy, expects guest numbers to soar to between 50 per cent and
70 per cent from next month.
Sarova Whitesands Beach
Resort general manager Siddharth Sathe said the hotel had 45 per cent
booking, 20 per cent of whom are international guests.
Mara
Intrepids and Mara Explorer manager Kevin Muendo said the tented camps
had 70 per cent and 30 per cent occupancy, respectively.
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