•Normally the high tourism season begins in Mid July, and August before slowing down a bit in September and picking up again from October to April.
•However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the general elections, the sector had suffered rendering thousands jobless.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
Kilifi Tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the sector will prosper after the peaceful election held on August 9.
The stakeholders said domestic and international tourists are free to visit and enjoy the diverse attractions available.
In Malindi and Watamu there are indications that tourists are flocking in for their holidays.
On the beaches of the two resort towns which are major Italian destinations, there has been an increase in the number of tourists who are holidaying since early August.
The number is expected to rise as the festive season nears.
Normally the high tourism season begins in Mid July, and August before slowing down a bit in September and picking up again from October to April.
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the general elections, the sector had suffered rendering thousands jobless.
Veteran hotelier and former Kenya Hotel Keepers and Caterers Association Kilifi chairman, Phillip Chai, thanked all Kenyans for ensuring there is a democracy after conducting peaceful polls.
Chai said it was time to unite and embark on nation-building.
“Hotels are now open, Malindi is clean. Let's be ready to welcome tourists to the hotels,” he said.
Chai said residents have suffered due to Covid-19, political campaigns, and elections where money was not circulating to the common person.
He called on those with hotels and restaurants to set up reasonable prices that will attract domestic and international tourists to come and enjoy the goodies.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
“We urge Governor Gideon Mung'aro to work closely with the tourism industry players to build the economy and help attract tourists from up country and overseas,” Chai said.
He said they aim to see Kilifi becoming a 24-hour economy and making it a tourism hub as per Vision 2030.
Resident Salim Abdalla called on the county and national government to create job opportunities for youths.
Abdalla called on tourists to visit Malindi in large numbers.
“Malindi is beautiful and everything is okay,” he said.
Abdalla said Malindi has a lot of attractions including nice beaches, and the new Bunthuani Waterfront park, and not very far from Tsavo East.
Lammeck Kombe the leader of Warriors Acrobats who entertain tourists on the beaches and along the town restaurants said they are ready to entertain guests.
Currently, he said, they have had challenges due to the Covid-19 and election but they hope the situation will continue to be smooth for tourism to prosper again.
“We welcome all tourists to Malindi. Kenya is a peaceful country and everyone is free to visit,” Kombe said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
Image: ALPHONCE GARI