Coastal tourism sector hotels upbeat over better 2019
Coastal tourism sector investors are optimistic of a vibrant season amid hopes that traffic of local and international visitors will improve in this last quarter of the year.
They are counting on the approaching festive season, increased number of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) trains plying the Nairobi-Mombasa route and the four-times weekly charter flight service between Doha and Mombasa by Qatar Airways.
Hosnain Noorani Pride Inn Group of hotels managing director, said although there is a stable influx of local and foreign traffic to the hotel, players in the industry are hoping that the government would continue empowering drivers of the economy.
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“Things are promising to be even better this year and we are optimistic that the government will continue to create a conducive environment for tourists and investors,” he added.
All the fundamentals, Noorani said are showing that investors in the industry are going to have a good year, adding: “2018 was a good year because of traffic from locals and foreigners.”
Pride Inn Paradise Shanzu General Manager Ann Peggy said 2018 was a good year for the hotel which registered an increase in occupancy. The hotel has 240 units and a 2,500 capacity convention centre.
The two made the remarks during a celebration ceremony after the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), conferred the five-star rating status on Pride Inn Paradise Resort, located in Shanzu Mombasa after meeting the requisite regulation standards.
A letter signed by TRA Director general Kipkorir Langat said the award was conferred after the hotel scored100 per cent on essential items required by the regulator’s grading procedure.
Tourist destination
Noorani said the hotel was already working with both the national and county government of Mombasa to turn around the fortunes of Mombasa as a tourist destination.
Mombasa Trade, Tourism and Investment executive Fawz Rashid said the county government will continue to create good business environment for investors to boost growth.
Five-star hotels have concierge services bundled in, where someone would assist you with tasks such as making restaurant reservations, booking transport and recommending the best nightlife hangout spots.
