Hotels in Naivasha are fully booked ahead of the World Rally Championship (WRC), which is expected to attract more than 100,000 local and international visitors.
Two weeks to the global event, the Naivasha Tourism Association is projecting booming business during the one-week event.
Unlike last year when Covid-19 was at its peak and wrecking havoc globally, this year’s event has been described as visitor-friendly with the strict restrictions reviewed.
According to Sammy Mugo from the Naivasha Tourism Association, all the major hotels in the lakeside town were fully booked for the event that runs from the 22nd to 26th of June.
Mugo who is the association's treasurer said that last year’s event was an eye-opener adding that they expect large crowds and more fun this year.
“Last year we had many challenges including the pandemic but this time we are looking forward to hosting a better global event which will attract thousands,” he said.
Mugo who is also the MD Panorama Hotel said they are getting booking inquiries every day.
He said the rally is a major blessing to the hospitality sector, which was hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic leading to massive revenue and job losses.
“We expect the first team of security officers next week and after that the hotels are fully booked until the end of the month,” he said.
Another hotelier Ronny Muraya, the proprietor of Nest Boutique said that this year’s rally had more potential and would attract a larger number of visitors.
He said with major hotels in the lakeside town fully booked, visitors are now seeking bed and breakfast services.
“Naivasha’s bed capacity is around 3,000 and many of the visitors have turned to BnB and this year’s event will be a major boost to the economy of this town,” he said.
Naivasha deputy county commissioner Mutua Kisilu said in collaboration with the organisers they are addressing all security concerns.
“We have shall be very strict in terms of security as we expect over 100,000 visitors for the one week when the rally preparations start and end,” he said.
