One of the SGR trains at a Nairobi station. The launch of the SGR is expected to boost tourism in the region. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Tourism stakeholders at the Coast are optimistic about the future of the sector as they expect more holiday makers to visit their facilities when the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger train kicks off services between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Tourism industry players are expected to be among major beneficiaries of the Sh327 billion project that President Uhuru Kenyatta will officially launch on May 31.The rail services are set to reduce travel cost by half compared to road transport while being cheaper than air travel.The railway line linking Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya’s tourism hub will avail an affordable transport alternative for both local and international tourists seeking leisure.“People will develop travel culture as majority of them have never had the opportunity to travel by modern trains,” Coast Tourism Association chairman Mohamed Hersi said as quoted by Business Daily.“Efficient, safe and affordable mode of transport is key for sustainable tourism. The Standard Gauge Railway is a game changer to the hospitality industry.”Bobby Kamani, the Diani Beach Resort managing director said he expects a boom in tourist numbers in South Coast after the SGR launch.“We expect the number of tourists visiting Diani to increase. But tourism could rebound if the Dongo Kundu bypass construction is fast-tracked,” Kamani said.Besides Mombasa, other towns expected to get a boost from the new rail services include Voi, Mariakani, Mtito Andei, Emali, Athi River and Kibwezi because of their proximity to national parks.One passenger train will be operating daily trips from Mombasa to Nairobi and back to Mombasa.Atanas Maina, the Kenya Railways Corporation managing director last week said the frequency of the trips will be reviewed depending on passenger numbers.Passengers will have the option of traveling in economy of first class in the train with the capacity of 1,200 passengers.