The rate at which the number of tourist visiting Tsavo conservation area has continuously declined because of the recent terror attacks in Mombasa and Nairobi. Willy Mwadilo who is the Kenya Hotel Keepers and Caterers Association Tsavo and Amboseli tourism circuit chairman said hotel bookings are at 35% and yet usually around this time bookings range from 50 to 60% and so it is sad that hotels are now operating at 35% since the recent terror attacks in Mombasa.
He said so during a briefing on preparations for the commemoration of 100 years since World War one in Taveta town. He was accompanied by Taita Taveta Tourism executive Steven Masamo and the commemoration will be held in Taita Taveta County on August 15 and every one should know that security is tight
He added that it is very clear now that the terror attacks in Mombasa directly affected tourism in Tsavo region because the tourists in Mombasa move to Tsavo. Hotels in both Tsavo East and West have been greatly affected resulting to low revenue collections. Preparations for the World War commemoration will be launched on Thursday at Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi and there hoteliers will meet stakeholders from some 15 countries that were involved in World War one.
This is intended to bring new tourism products on board and to attract more visitors to Taita Taveta as the major targets markets are United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and other countries. There are bookings coming by visitors from these countries who wish to witness this international event in Kenya that will be held in Taita Taveta thus a good sign.
Masamo asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to be the guest of honor and also asked him to be support the construction of Ikanga airstrip because tourists have had to go a long way just to get to the park. The county is gearing towards hosting the United Nations Tourism Day and Kenya tourism week later this year and hopefully, it will be a success.
wildlife safari news
