Hoteliers in the South Coast region have recorded good numbers of domestic and foreign visitors for December holiday with some of the facilities being fully booked for December festive.
Domestic tourism is currently taking shape after covid19 affected the cultural tourists markets in Europe.
Jacaranda Indian Ocean beach resort operation manager Duncan Kiroro said that hoteliers had to devise a way of targeting the domestic market which is working out positively.
“The war in Ukrain and Russia which affected tourism business is one of the reasons we had to look for a domestic market which is doing well,” he said.
Speaking to Coast Times Digital Kiroro said that already some hotels in the area are fully booked for December holiday while others are at 80 per cent.
He attributed this to good government plans to allow business to thrive and also Africans’ decisions to go for holiday unlike before.
“Previously people saved to do other business but at least now they have realized they need to use that money for family vacation and that is why we are enjoying their support,” he said.
With a high number of domestic tourists flocking to Diani for holiday, hoteliers said that they have set packages that are reasonable for visitors.
He said that the fact that major hotels have recorded good tourist booking numbers, will allow small hotels, villas and all tourists’ establishments to benefit from tourism.
Swahili Beach Resort general manager Joab Andani said that
The hoteliers have called on the national and county government to intervene and ensure security in the area during the holiday season.
Domestic visitors touring the area urged hoteliers to reduce the charges and ensure that locals are charged reasonably.
Joab Andayi-Swahili beach hotel general manager said that they have been preparing for the festive season by featuring things that attract both domestic and international markets.
“We are prepared to host families enjoying and those who are coming for leisure, we look forward to more booking although for now we are almost full booked for the festive season but the whole of Diani destination is really looking forward to the Christmas festive season,” he said.
He said that the county government and national government should also focus on assuring security in the area.
“There are already projects that existed during the previous administration that is streetlights can be improved to continue illuminating the whole of Diani stretch from Kongo river to Neptune and working with tourism stakeholders in Diani there are a lot of issues that we can discuss together to ensure that our destination is safe and that can attract the people we want and attract both international and domestic tourists,” he added.
Juliash Angeshi Anubi, one of the domestic tourists visiting Diani said that hoteliers need to set aside unique prices for locals that are reasonable to attract more to have a holiday in the area.
Smith Musyoki, also a local tourist, lauded tourism stakeholders in the area for keeping the beach clean saying that it is attracting more visitors.
He noted that the Diani beach road streetlights should be fixed to assure visitors of their safety.
