Kenya is banking on marketing campaigns in leading global cruise conventions and enhanced security to increase the number of international tourists arriving by sea.
Last year, the Port of Mombasa was voted Africa’s leading cruise facility for the second-year running by the World Travel Awards.
“Mombasa is a preferred destination for cruise holidaymakers since after they arrive at the port, it takes them a short time to head to national parks for game drives,” said Tourism Cabinet secretary Najib Balala.
Cruise tourism, he said, is a lucrative market for Kenya, adding that visitors arriving by sea are high-end holidaymakers.
To tap the potential of this segment, Kenya is building a Sh350 million cruise ship terminal at the port.
The project, which is expected to be completed before the forthcoming cruise tourism season in November this year, would significantly boost the industry as the port currently lacks a facility for catering to global international holidaymakers.
Mr Balala, Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Betty Radier and officials from the Kenya Ports Authority were in Miami, US, on Monday, where they participated in the Seatrade Cruise Global convention which closed its doors on Thursday.
The forum is the cruise industry’s premier global event and brings together business, industry cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents and partners in the sector.
As the epicentre of the cruise industry, Seatrade features exhibitors and attendees from around the world including key industry players.
Mr Balala said Kenya’s participation in the Miami convention would boost the country’s growing cruise industry.
He attributed the improvement to the decline in pirate attacks off Somalia coast and enhanced security in Mombasa.
Photo www.mytwendesafari.com