Hotels at the Coast recorded an occupancy rate of above 70 per cent for the first half of 2022, an indication of the sector’s gradual recovery from a two year slump.
This is after foreign visitors more than doubled to above 430,000, compared to 222,765 visitors who came into the country in the same period last year.
Hoteliers have said the numbers in most towns including Diani, Watamu, Malindi and Kilifi which host various tourist facilities have been considerably impressive.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast executive officer Sam Ikwaye noted that even though there was a post-Easter dip in occupation, with few establishment closed, the overall half year performance was fairly good compared to same period last year.
"Domestic market has shown signs of growth. However disruptions in school calendar due to Covid-19 and political activities in the country have affected leisure in a significant way," Ikwaye said.
He added that even though global geopolitics have indeed cut anticipated international arrivals this year, the numbers are still satisfactory.
According to tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, disruptions in Russia and Ukraine slightly affected business from that market.
Similarly, revenue from the United Kingdom is anticipated to dip following the recorded decades high cost of living.
Last year, UK was the fourth top market region for tourism in Kenya, with over 53,264 visitor arrivals, which gave hope to the industry that was almost brought to its knees by the pandemic.
This year, the country recorded a 40-year high inflation rate of 10.1 per cent, increasing cost of living. The situation is said to have reduced leisure travel cutting Kenya's revenue.
"Leisure is last in budget after all core things have been met. If people have reduced disposable income then leisure will suffer," Ikwaye said.
Experts have warned that U.K's inflation could hit 22.4 per cent next year if energy prices continue their upward spiral, this could further limit tourism revenue from that market.
Kenya has embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign after a slow down in travel for the past two years, occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ministry is banking on the five-year tourism strategy launched in May to steer the sector into full recovery.
Dubbed “the new vision for Kenya’s tourism” the strategy seeks to diversify the country’s tourism products, moving away from the traditional beach and safari.
Kenya Tourism Board(KTB) is also spearheading marketing campaigns with at least 10 new markets in mind, as the country targets more than one million arrivals this year.
This is after a 53.3 per cent increase in the number of international arrivals last year which closed at 870,465 up from 567,848 in 2020.
