Hoteliers in Naivasha are concerned that the ongoing violent demonstrations could cripple the tourism sector struggling to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
They said that the sector, which was on its way to recovery, has recorded tens of booking cancellations raising fears of job losses.
This emerged when one of the top hotels, Kentwood Cabins and Camps on the shores of Lake Naivasha, welcomed tens of tourists from Denmark.
The hotel's marketing manager Job Gatheru said the sector has been doing well for the past two years with the number of local and international visitors steadily growing.
He however termed the violent demonstrations as a major threat with some tourists already shying away from visiting Kenya.
“The numbers of visitors has been on the rise for years but we fear that the demonstrations could affect all the gains that we have recorded,” he said.
Speaking at the hotel, he said that they were blending hospitality and nature, a move, which had seen the number of local, and international visitors rise.
Gatheru said they have recorded some cancellations due to the violence but are optimistic the current crisis will be resolved before the festive season begins.
One of the workers, John Mwangi said increased cancellations could spell doom for hundreds of workers who relied on the sector.
“The demonstrations have affected us and we hope that they will come to an end as cancellations of bookings means job losses for us,” he said.
One of the visitors Wanda Ortmann said that they were enjoying their tour despite the demonstrations that had affected operations in some towns.
“This is my first time in Africa and I am enjoying my experience as we try to learn why there are many protests in some towns,” she said.
Another tourist Sebastian Baptiste termed the trip as a memorable one adding that they would not hesitate to visit the country once again.
