Low charges lure visitors to the Coast
Pocket-friendly holiday packages have attracted holidaymakers, especially from upcountry, to destinations at the Coast to beat the high season rates expected next month.
A survey conducted by Travelwise has established that hotels have reduced their hospitality tariffs this month to woo guests before they hike rates to almost double during the festive season. Due to the clever pricing, many hotels in Mombasa and South Coast are fully booked for November and December.
Bahari Beach operations manager Godffrey Juma says the hotel is enjoying booming business, with bookings hitting almost 100 per cent. “Many visitors are taking advantage of our room discounts as well as low fares by airlines, tours and travel companies,” he said.
Those who booked early got the best November rates. However, the highest bookings are for Christmas and New Year festivities beginning December 22. Passengers seeking to travel on SGR currently are unable to get seats. “We are fully booked until March next year with 30 per cent locals and 70 per cent international guests,” Juma said.
Uganda Airlines
According to Sarova White Sands Resort Marketing Manager Josephine Muanzi, the hotel is enjoying 80 to 100 per cent bookings. In December, a single premier, sea-facing room will cost Sh37,000 per person and Sh30,000 for those sharing, higher than the October-November rates.
Data obtained from Ticket Sasa.com website indicates that Travellers Beach Resort Mombasa attracts a friendly tariff of Sh12,100 accommodation per person with meals all-inclusive per person per night. The rates are set to rise significantly.
In South Coast, a discounted deal at Diani Sea Resort payable on instalments, a three-night accommodation in a standard room with all meals inclusive goes for Sh24,000 but is expected to rise in December.
Ugandan Airlines, which launched its maiden flight to Mombasa resently, has given their clientele promotion tickets to Mombasa. Promotional tickets cost about Sh20,000 ($200) but normal fares will go up to Sh32,000 one-way after which ticket prices will depend on demand during the festivities.
