The policy strategies, reduction of barriers and improved infrastructure by the government is working magic in the revival of the tourism sector at the Coast.
Travelers Beach Hotel and Club Sales and Marketing manager Wafula Waswa said the opening of the African skies under the African Union Single Air Travel made the continent the second best performer in the local market after Europe.
He also cited the issuance of visas on arrival.
The sector hit a slump during the 2007-08 post poll clashes and during Jubilee’s first term when terrorists launched attacks.
“On the international front, the government has helped to prop the organic image of the country as a destination through the athletics, rugby seven a side and Kenya airways. We only want that front to be improved for Kenya to be a destination to reckon with,” Waswa said.
The Manager singled out the Standard Gauge Railway as causing excitement making the local market command a 60 per cent of the bulk of guests.
He however noted the train’s capacity was limited during the festive season, and asked the government to improve it.
“The Dongo-Kundu by pass, proposal to do drum transport as opposed to the ferries that lead to delay and poor services to the Coast, is equally a boost,” he added.
Mr. Waswa said because of improvements, Travelers which is 288 rooms foster beach resort, is doing 52 per cent room occupancy.
“We projected 47 per cent last month, the highest pick will be in December,” he said.
Kenya has experienced a stiff competition from Zanzibar, while Dubai and South Africa also continues to eat into Kenya’s market according to the hotelier.
Waswa however said that with its immense number of reserves and parks numbering to over 60, and beach line of over 500 km, Kenya records enormous potential.
