Basing on the records from UNWTO, these big political changes in the continent have led to Sub Saharan Africa gain two more million international tourists’ arrivals which is a 7%an increase while North Africa has lost two million arrivals which is 9%decrease. UNWTO estimated a total of tourist arrivals into Africa from the major source markets at 50 million. International tourism receipts in Africa stood at $33 billion (Sh2.84 trillion) last year 2011.
According to the tourism players, this new apart hotel idea has gained momentum across the entire region something that shows that the hoteliers have appreciated the diversity as they try to cope with low business. It is an indicator that our industry is undergoing a metamorphosis of some sort so said Sam Ikwaye, the Kenya Association of Hotel keepers as well as Caterers (Kahc) Coast branch Executive officer.
Ikwaye said that the change is great especially now that Kenya is facing tight competition from the upcoming tourist destinations in the region. He added that this is a highly competitive industry with great attractive sites in the neighboring countries of Tanzania and its twin isle of Zanzibar and Pemba, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, all with great attractions like the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and many more. Kenya has got to become tougher if it is to keep its tourists.
