Tourists in Mombasa ushered Christmas Eve in style as hawk-eyed police officers were patrolling hotel and entertainment establishments.
County Commissioner Mohamed Nur has assured merrymakers of enhanced security as Kenyans celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
Nur stated that a multi-agency team is working around the clock to ensure the safety of merrymakers. He directed beachgoers to be out of the sea by 6 am to avoid cases of drowning in high tides.
Travelers Beach Hotel celebrated Christmas Eve with its client in a colourful ceremony. Savory foods were plentiful, and a live band entertained the guests as they ushered in the big day.
The well-decorated venue was set up with a theme of togetherness and celebration.
“Clients are delighted that we have catered for all cuisines. The theme is ‘Across the world in ten days’,” stated the Hotel Sales and Marketing Manager Carolynne Kurumei.
She added that the majority of the clients are from the domestic market, with only around 20 per cent from the international market. We expect more from the international market, mainly in January,” she said.
The hotel, she noted, plays a major role in giving the clients a place to celebrate after the hustle and bustle throughout the year.
“This is a time for them to come and rest, relax, and rejuvenate so that by the time they go back they have enjoyed their stay,” said Kurumei.
The hotel cherished returning clients who have been loyal to them for years, a testament to their hospitality and good customer relations.
“It means we are doing something right at Travelers Beach Hotel. It keeps getting better; we ensure we keep improving according to the clients’ demands. That is the reason we believe they return all the time,” explained the marketing manager.
Michael Weis, a German tourist, said he has been visiting Mombasa for 30 years now and he has had the best experiences on the Kenyan Coast.
“You have a very nice coast, warm-hearted people, especially the landscape. I like it very much,” he said.
On his part, Julius Mutui, a local tourist from Makueni County, chose the hotel because of its location, which is convenient for travelers, and the kindness of its staff.
“The rooms themselves are very clean; most of the rooms are facing the sea. This is a place you can call home away from home. The environment is very conducive, and the place is extremely clean,” he said.