Hoteliers at the Coast have decried the increased harassment of tourists by beach traders.
The hoteliers said the habit is affecting their business, as tourists now prefer to visit other beaches in Africa and the Caribbean islands.
Speaking on Sunday, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch executive officer Sam Ikwaye, asked the government to come up with a lasting solution to avoid scaring away tourists.
On his part, Serena Hotels managing director Mahmud Janmohamed asked the government to build the traders a special market in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale Counties, in a bid to avoid the current trend where the traders harass tourists by forcing them to purchase their goods.
“Time has come for the government to address the thorny issue once and for all so that beach operators can sell their curios elsewhere than doing business on the beaches,” said Janmohamed.
Janmohamed said the move is likely to boost tourism in the region, as more tourists will frequent the beaches.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said that the government will look into the matter, promising to look for land in Mombasa where the designated markets will be built.
He urged counties at the Coast to emulate Kwale County, by formulating laws to address the issue.
“Other counties with beaches must borrow a leaf from Kwale by developing legal framework to regulate beach activities. We want the beaches to be places where tourists can soak up the sun or enjoy leisure walks without disturbance from traders,” said Balala, as quoted by the Nation.