The larger coast region will start reaping the fruits of former US President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Kenya in 2019.
According to the Managing Director of Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa Bobby Kimani, Obama's visit will positively affect the tourism sector in Mombasa and the neighbouring Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Kwale counties in 2019.
He cited the visit by Obama and Pope Francis in 2015, saying they boosted tourism sector a year after.
"The visits by Pope Francis and President Obama in 2015 greatly boosted the tourism industry. The country started witnessing the effects of the two leaders' visits a year later," he said, adding that tourist arrivals from abroad started increasing in 2016.
Kamani however challenged Kenyans to embrace domestic tourism to improve the hotel industry.
"Mr Obama’s visit raises the profile of our country. When we get prominent people visiting our destination, we should take advantage of it," added the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye.
Speaking on Tuesday, he noted that the tourism sector has already started experiencing an increased number of tourists in the country.
Obama on Sunday, July 15, arrived in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city.
Welcomed by his sister Auma, Obama paid a courtesy visit to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, where Uhuru thanked him for keeping his promise of visiting his ancestral home again after he leaves office.
He visited and launched an initiative at his K'Ogallo home in Siaya during the tour on July 16, before flying to South Africa.