- Couples worldwide seek romantic getaways and experiences to celebrate their love and leave lasting memories.
- While it is easy to dismiss the day as purely commercial, we have to admit that for many loved-up couples, this is a day worth commemorating and Valentine’s Day tourism is an actual thing.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI
As Valentine's Day approaches, the tourism sector eagerly anticipates a surge in activity and revenue.
This is not just a local thing either.
Couples worldwide seek romantic getaways and experiences to celebrate their love and leave lasting memories.
While it is easy to dismiss the day as purely commercial, we have to admit that for many loved-up couples, this is a day worth commemorating and Valentine’s Day tourism is an actual thing.
Here’s why.
Valentine's Day prompts a significant increase in travel demand as couples look for opportunities to escape their daily routines and indulge in romantic experiences.
This surge in demand translates to higher occupancy rates for hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. Lovers want to huddle and cuddle and will look for nooks that fit not just their budget, but also their expression of love.
Lovers often seek idyllic destinations for romantic getaways, ranging from secluded beach resorts to charming countryside bed-and-breakfasts.
The tourism sector caters to this demand by offering special packages and deals tailored to couples, including romantic dinners, couples' spa treatments, and scenic excursions. You just need to find the one for you.
Terry Nyambura, a flower seller, says that Valentine’s Day is a season for them to reap big.
“Normally a flower retails from Sh100 to Sh1,500 depending on the client,” she said
“One Valentine’s day one can sell even to Sh50,000 if it happens to be a good day but on a bad day, you can pocket Sh10,000 on a normal day.”
Her main customers are ordinary citizens and rose flowers is often the ones highly demanded.
Peter Wachira, Founder and CEO, Tripitaca, an online travel agency, says Valentine offers a lifeline for the tourism industry which faces low numbers during the first months of the year.
Like other players in the sector, his company, he says, has strategized how to reap big from the season.
"We understand that Valentine's Day is more than just a date; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories with the ones we hold dear," says Wachira.
"That's why Tripitaca has curated a selection of immersive experiences that capture the essence of romance and adventure, ensuring that every moment spent together is nothing short of magical."
As part of Valentine’s package, Tripitaca has curated a dinner experience for lovers at a hotel in Westlands.
The couples will also get to enjoy music from local artist Bensoul and a comedy show.
Many couples also opt for new experiences to celebrate Valentine's Day.
They may explore new places, attend live performances, or embark on food experiences to savour delicacies.
Enter tourism operators capitalising on this interest by organising themed tours and activities that showcase the unique experiences of different locations.
Restaurants are in on it too, tapping into distinct menus that range from the exotic to the fiery.
For adventurous couples, Valentine's Day presents an opportunity to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, farm tours, or hot air ballooning, immersive experiences that are beyond the access of a typical date.
Destinations known for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities experience a surge in visitors seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Besides, love experts tell us that bonding over experiences brings couples closer.
Many cities and tourist destinations will also host special events and festivities to celebrate Valentine's Day.
These may include romantic dinners, wine tastings, dhow cruises, to even fireworks displays. Tourism boards and event organisers collaborate to promote these activities, drawing visitors from near and far to participate in the festivities.
Finally, Valentine's Day is a popular occasion for weddings and marriage proposals.
It is, after all, one of, if not the most romantic day of the year so it does lead to an uptick in demand for wedding venues, event planners, and any such related services.
Hotels, resorts, and scenic locations often see an increase in bookings as couples choose to exchange vows or pop the question in picturesque settings.
Valentine's Day is, for some, more than just a day.
They make a day, weekend or even week of it, serving each other romance and adventure.
As you can see, it drives increased tourism activity not just locally, but across the globe.
From intimate getaways to grand romantic gestures, the tourism sector plays a critical role in helping couples create cherished memories that last a lifetime.