Holidaymakers at the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in Mombasa. [Photo/ nation.co.ke]
Hoteliers in the North Coast region have been challenged to come up with innovations and attractive holiday packages for domestic tourists. Mombasa County Beach Operators Association members said this is the only way to avoid over-reliance on foreign tourists who visit mainly during high seasons.“Hoteliers should abandon the culture of depending entirely on foreign tourists and encourage more Kenyans to take holidays in their establishments,” said the members.Speaking at a meeting in Mombasa Town, County Tour Safari Sellers chairman Shume Iha said although most hotels in the North Coast record good bookings during Christmas and New Year festivities, hoteliers must do more to attract Kenyans and international tourists throughout the year.Watamu Tour Safari Sellers chairman Justin Kitsao also called on the county and the national governments to work together with the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) to market the Coast more aggressively abroad. “Let them woo international tourists now that the USA, UK, and other Western European countries have lifted travel advisories for their citizens traveling to Kenya,” he said.Mombasa Boat Operators chairman Shallo Issa said once domestic tourism is embraced and put on a sound footing, the Coast region will overcome the problem of low season. “These hotels should host local tourists and others from neighboring countries all the year round,” he said.The beach operators called for a thorough vetting of the operators in the tourist industry to weed out conmen and muggers who have been robbing tourists along the beaches. “All boats ferrying tourists to fishing expeditions in the deep sea must observe maritime laws and regulations,” Issa said.Deputy Police Tourist Unit officer Inspector John Rono directed boat operators to be equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and licenses. “All of you should have special uniforms and badges for easy identification by the police and those without them will be arrested and prosecuted,” he cautioned.