Tourism along Kenya’s coastline is growing. This is evident in the development of hotels and lodges in both traditional tourist areas as well as newer, emerging destinations.

Bernard Itebete, Corporate Sales Manager at Sarova Hotels which is represented in South Africa and Europe by Southern Spoor Marketing, says there has been a significant increase in beach tourism in the country, due in large part to growth in the domestic market. However, he says: “International travellers also include visiting beaches in their itinerary, with many hotels located along beaches, giving tourists easy access to their desired location.”

According to the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the number of visitors to coastal regions grew last year, despite overall visitor numbers wavering. Coastal holidaymakers amounted to more than two million visitors in 2017, up 16.8% from 2016’s numbers, with NBS projecting that political stability in 2018 would see this number grow. Key growth points were the Kilifi and Malindi regions and Lamu Beach further north.

However, a number of industry players have pointed to poor infrastructure along the coast as challenges for potential guests to overcome. In particular, the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa – which transports people between Mombasa International Airport (MIA), Mombasa Island and the southern coast – continues to be problematic. In July, General Manager for Swahili Beach Resort, Jeff Mukolwe told NTV Kenya: “As much as we develop air access through MIA, the biggest deterrent is the Likoni Ferry and that has got to be addressed.”

Construction is under way on a new highway that will link the airport with the southern region, bypassing Mombasa Island altogether. This is expected to save tourists the hassle of the overcrowded and unreliable ferry. Boby Kamani, Diani Reef Hotel Managing Director, says the completion of this road is significant for Kwale County as an international tourism destination: “We have already started seeing more business just after the completion of first phase of the road.”

Itebete says the government has made some inroads into infrastructure development along the coast: “Public toilets have been put up, especially at beaches with heavy traffic such as Jomo Kenyatta Beach, just north of Mombasa. Security has also been stepped up to protect locals and visitors from cases of both petty and more serious crimes. Lifeguards patrol the beaches and warn people to stay away during high tides as well as ensuring safety of those swimming.” He adds that private developments, such as restaurants, have also increased, catering for the high number of people visiting beaches.

In addition to beach holidays, Kenya has also developed an industry around cruises. Itebete says the growth of this sector is noticeable for hoteliers: “We are experiencing an increase in cruises docking at the port compared with some years back. This is generating quite a few room nights for the hotels and resorts at the coast as both crew and passengers disembark to continue with their holidays in Kenya.” Itebete goes on to say cruise-goers appear to have affected the industry inland as well, particularly in areas where safaris are the main draw.

The government has also jumped on board, spending Ks450 million (€3.8m) on a new cruise ship terminal at Berth One in the Port of Mombasa. Itebete says: “The Kenya Ports Authority is building a terminal to handle increased numbers of people and larger ships.”  At the height of cruise season in January, Sam Ikwaye, Director of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers said: “When cruise liners come to your destination, it does two things: brings the high-end tourist who spends good money on their arrival and gives the destination an endorsement.” This is reiterated by Itebete who says the tourism industry players harness this potential by adding offerings in accommodation, excursions and experiences that would appeal to a global audience.

Itebete suggests there is a gap in the market for adventure and water sports such as kite surfing, paragliding, surfing and kayaking. He believes events such as the Lamu Festival and the Turkana Cultural Festival can also piggyback off a booming cruise industry to grow exposure for local cultures. Finally, he adds: “The coastal experience can be tied up with short safaris inland to view prized game.”

“It has been noted that, for many, the arrival at the coast is the beginning of their adventure, which will include both coast and up-country safaris. For others, it’s the tail end of the safaris,” concludes Itebete.