Tourist numbers surge in Mombasa as direct flights, new commuter rail boost arrivals
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Chief Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye, said the improved numbers reflect the sector’s deliberate investment in tourism promotion.
Mombasa is witnessing a surge in local and international tourist arrivals this year, with industry players attributing the rise to the introduction of direct flights and the newly-launched Mombasa Commuter Railway.
Along the coastline, beaches are bustling with activity as visitors flock to the city for holidays. Hoteliers say they are experiencing full bookings, signalling one of the strongest festive seasons in recent years.
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“I have been to Mombasa twice before, but I have never seen it this vibrant. The beaches are lively, the hotels are packed, and everything feels incredibly organised this time,” said Sarah Thompson, a tourist from the United Kingdom (UK).
Peter Mwangi, a domestic tourist from Nairobi, said the new railway had made his journey easier and more affordable. “Travelling by the metre-gauge railway was smooth and convenient. I arrived right in the city centre, and within minutes I was already exploring,” he said.
Another visitor, Maria Fernandes, said direct flights had influenced her travel decision. “It was my first time flying directly to Mombasa, and it made such a difference. I didn’t have to connect through Nairobi, which saved time and made the trip more enjoyable,” she said.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Chief Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye, said the improved numbers reflect the sector’s deliberate investment in tourism promotion.
“We have done a lot of marketing to ensure tourists come to the Coast. Part of our campaign was to push for an open-air sky policy to allow direct flights, and this has greatly contributed to the increase in tourists this festive season,” he said.
Hotels are also feeling the impact of enhanced transport services. Sapphire Hotel General Manager, John Yegon, said the commuter railway has become a blessing for the hospitality sector.
“What has been a blessing for us is this metre-gauge railway that the President launched. It brings a great number of people into Mombasa town, and once you are in the city, there is so much to explore, including the culture, experiences, street foods, and various places to visit. There is so much you can experience within the city of Mombasa, so we are selling cultural tourism and the history of Mombasa,” he said.
Yegon added that the county government had enhanced security around the city following the launch of the service. “This makes it easier to organise city tours for our guests,” he said.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Mohamed Osman, said the new direct flights are transforming the city’s tourism fortunes.
“When we say Mombasa received 2.5 million international travellers and only 8 per cent were able to come directly, that tells you Mombasa airport was underutilised,” he said.
He added, “Now, getting direct flights means we are receiving more visitors not only to Kenya, but to Mombasa as well.”
Industry stakeholders expect the momentum to continue into the new year, with the Coast positioning itself as a top destination for cultural, historical, and beach tourism.
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