Kenya’s apex hotel association has reported an average festive season occupancy rate of over 90% in several surveyed regions around the country, attributing this strong performance to the creation of curated experiences by suppliers and improved transport connectivity.
Sam Ikwaye, CEO of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch, said the figures come from various accommodation facilities in Kisumu, Naivasha, Machakos and the coastal region. He also credited healthy occupancies to the extension of offerings by hotels aiming to cater for “all budgets and preferences”.
According to Ikwaye, hotels curated experiences to make the recent festive season memorable and enjoyable with diverse packages for all clients – accommodating all budgets.
Accessibility to Kenya’s coastal region has been enhanced through improved rail, road and air transport networks as well as strengthened security arrangements, he added. Ikwaye also applauded the Mombasa County government’s efforts – together with the Mombasa Tourism Council – to organise events over the period.
“Government partnered with stakeholders to host a myriad of events and experiences – including a swimming gala, food festivals and a boxing competition – ensuring a diverse and rich menu for every traveller.”
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei attributed Kenya’s ongoing domestic tourism growth to various innovative marketing campaigns and broader initiatives under the “Tembea Kenya” umbrella. This includes the recently concluded “Tembea Kenya, Capture Magical Kenya” photography competition, which rallied citizens to showcase hidden gems across Kenya's 47 counties.
“It is clear that Kenyans are taking the initiative to travel more within their beautiful country. With festive seasons being peak travel periods, we have seen many creative ways Kenyans have found to spend time with their loved ones and discover hidden gems that would otherwise go unnoticed. The Tembea Kenya initiatives have been a catalyst of such discoveries,” said Chepkemei.
KTB is committed to expanding partnerships with county governments to drive international and domestic tourism growth across Kenya’s nine tourism circuits, she added.
“In coming years, you'll see more of our strategic partnerships with these devolved units, especially now that we have the nine tourism circuits in place.”
