[quote=jaggernaut]C&P
HOTELS at the Coast are seeking alternative tourism markets following the travel advisories by the UK, US, Australia and France which led to the abrupt departure of foreign holiday makers from the region.
The new markets could save a number of hotels that face closure due to low numbers from the affected markets that are major sources of international tourists to Kenya. So far more than 700 UK tourists have been evacuated from the Coast region following travel advisories.
The move has left a majority of hotels in Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu struggling. However a number of hotels are surviving after switching attention to domestic tourism and alternative markets.
Hotels are now looking into the Scandinavian countries of Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden,according to tourism stakeholders.
Other markets include Asia and the East and Central African region especially the land locked countries which choose Mombasa as a holiday destination.
Whitesands Beach Hotel which is currently doing between 90-100 per cent is among the beneficiaries of alternative markets. The hotel has received a major boost from conferences and domestic tourists, according to General Manager Francis Msengeti.
Mombasa and Coast Tourism Association chairman Mohammed Hersi however dismissed reports that hotels at the Coast are being closed down as a result of the advisories.
Hersi said a number of hotels normally close down for renovation during the low season, ahead of the high season that begins in late July.
“The issue of people saying that hotels are closing down due to travel advisories is rubbish. Let people understand how the industry operates and know that all is not lost despite the travel advisories,” said Hersi.
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http://www.the-star.co.k...uk#sthash.tECUUipM.dpuf[/quote]
Stop spoiling the mood wewe...DOMESTIC tourism cant help anyone.