As Kenya’s political situation stabilises, Michelle Perrett reveals that tourists are returning to the country
The riots and political violence that dominated the news headlines at the start of the year dealt a serious blow to the Kenyan tourist industry.
However, a new political coalition is bringing increasing stability, and the Kenyan authorities are on a drive to bring tourists back. In May Sir Richard Branson issued a rallying cry in support of Kenya, declaring it was safe.
In the first three months of the year, visitor numbers were down by almost 73%, but Kenyan minister for tourism Najib Balala said levels are now starting to recover.
A marketing campaign from the Kenya Tourist Board, the reintroduction of charter flights from the UK and the migration of animals across the Masai Mara are luring tourists back.
Tourist figures are down 40% on July and August last year, which is a significant drop, but a marked improvement on the first quarter of this year.
Somak Holidays commercial director Anil Sofat said the quick resolution to the political problems has helped the situation.
“The summer in the Masai Mara is quite full and running at more than 80% occupancy for the migration.” He is positive about the future and said: “The Masai Mara is a good indication of the way things are going,” said Sofat.
Traditionally, UK holidaymakers choose a beach and safari break, but Kenya hopes to broaden its appeal, and is offering a range of eco destinations. The country is also promoting 30 to 40 national parks as alternatives to the Masai Mara.
Balala said UK tour operators are keen to offer a more diverse product to customers. He said: “Every tour operator wants much more than beach and safari and wants to offer more to clients.”
Somak has also revealed it is launching a new range of packages and products to the region. It will be promoting ecotourism with a new brochure. Sofat said: “We are taking people on more cultural and village tours, which educate tourists on how Kenyans live.”
Mombasa, known for its beach resorts, has a larger capacity for tourists than the Masai Mara, and with charter flights resuming, it too is seeing tourists slowly returning.
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All you need to know
Scheduled airlines: Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Kenya Airways fly daily into Nairobi
Charter airlines: Monarch Airlines and First Choice have resumed services to Mombasa, each running one flight a week
FCO advice: “Most visits to game reserves and other tourist areas are trouble free. Exercise caution and keep an eye on local media reports”
