Kenya is starting to see a recovery in visitor numbers following the political riots that plagued the country at the beginning of the year.
In the first three months of the year, tourism numbers were down by almost 73%. However, during the high season period of July and August figures are down 40% – still down but a marked improvement showing more people are coming back to the country.
Tourism minister Najib Balala said: “The high season of July and August so far are good because the charter airlines are back.”
Somak Holidays commercial director Anil Sofat agreed figures are back on track with tourists keen to experience the wonders of the migration of the animals across the Masai Mara.
He said the Masai Mara is at about 80% occupancy and the operator is having to turn down business due to being at full capacity.
However, other areas of Kenya still have a way to go to get tourist numbers back. He said Mombasa, which boasts the beach resorts, is not doing as well as it has a higher capacity of hotels to fill. He expects this to improve as charter flights return to the country.