Coast tourism stakeholders say 2024 witnessed remarkable tourist arrivals

Tourism stakeholders operating at Kenya’s Coast have said that 2024 has been a remarkable year for them.

They said despite the year having witnessed Gen Z-led protests, it has still recorded a high number of tourists flocking to various places and booking hotels, compared to previous years.

In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, the stakeholders expressed optimism that before the end of the year, the sector will hit 100 per cent performance, owing to the huge numbers of tourists who continue to book space.

They said that compared to previous years, this year’s high tourist season has seen tremendous performance.

Among the key stakeholders in the industry interviewed by The Eastleigh Voice across the six Coast counties included hoteliers, tour guide operators, beach operators, and officials representing various tourism entities in the region.

Those interviewed acknowledged having received early bookings in their premises with more expected during the December festive season and towards January 2025.

In Lamu, for instance, there has been a high number of French tourists booking space in the various hotels in Shella and other key tourist destinations across the archipelago.

Residents walk on a street on Lamu Island. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Best tourist season

Lamu Tourism Association (LTA) Vice Chairperson Fridah Njeri expressed confidence that this year’s high tourist season will be the best compared to previous years.

“There are so many international tourists, particularly from France, booking space in Shella, Lamu, Kipungani and other places. That means by December and January, we shall be having tremendous bookings in our hotels,” said Njeri.

Former Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) chairperson Mohammed Hersi lauded hotel owners at the Coast for their zeal and determination in ensuring they offer the best in terms of services to tourists visiting their premises.

Mohammed challenged those unwilling to undertake maintenance of their hotels to be ready to miss out on guests as many prefer looking for proper services elsewhere.

He also advised hotel and travel agencies to embrace the digital space to market their services.

He, however, noted that the 2024 high tourist season has already given an early indication of doing better compared to last year.

“In 2023, the high tourist season was good. We recorded almost 2.1 million guests, though some were from the East Africa region, that’s Uganda and Tanzania. We also had tourists from Europe, Japan, and America where I believe the money is. This year, I can see the season has picked well and we expect good results at the end,” Mohammed said.

Gen Z protests

Highlighting matters of the Gen Z-led protests, Mohammed said the situation had a negative impact, particularly for hotels offering conference services.

He expressed optimism about the industry getting back to its feet now that calm has been restored across the country.

“Gen Z protests affected tourism performance, though minimally. Hotels that handle conferences and meetings experienced lots of cancellations since they knew they couldn't handle matters of evacuation of guests and tourists if the need arose,” said Mohamed.

“But I commend the state for ensuring calmness resumes. I also congratulate hotel owners for spending money in renovating their premises, meaning they have confidence that the future is bright,” he added.

In Kwale and the general South Coast destinations, stakeholders interviewed expressed hope and confidence in the high tourist season peaking well.

Leopard Beach Resort’s General Manager Kioko Musyoki noted that currently, the tourism sector is performing at between 70 to 85 per cent as most premises were receiving bookings almost on a daily basis.

Musyoki also doubles as the chair of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers on the South Coast.

“We normally record about 80 per cent plus in tourist bookings once the high season begins. Currently, we’re already between 70 to 80 percent performance. My appeal is for peace to prevail throughout the season. I am confident we shall hit above the 90 per cent mark this December,” said Musyoki.

Tourists at the KPA jetty in Lamu Town. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Lamu Festivals

Lamu Tourism Executive Aisha Miraj banked her hope on this year’s festivals in the county to boost the tourism sector.

The sector is currently performing at 70 per cent. Among the events lined up included the Lamu Cultural Festival which was held between November 28 and November 30.

Miraj said there had been a low number of tourists coming to Lamu, particularly between April and June, which is considered off-peak or a low tourist season.

As of June this year, the Lamu tourism industry received a total of 1,090 international tourists who visited the archipelago.

Miraj expressed confidence in the Lamu tourism sector hitting the 100 per cent mark now that the high tourist season is already ongoing.

“The Lamu festivals have always acted as key tourist attractions. We’re, however, appealing for countries with active travel advisories on Lamu to lift them. I am aware French and German tourists aren’t allowed to travel beyond Lamu and Manda Islands and this is working to our disadvantage. I believe once such advisories are lifted, Lamu will do better in terms of international guests visiting this place,” said Miraj.