From allAfrica

Tourism at the Kenyan Coast which drives the region’s economy and greatly contributes to Kenya’s foreign exchange kitty is facing difficult times following low tourists numbers visiting the region this season.

Famous for its white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels and holiday destinations, hotels in the region are facing a crisis despite this being a high season month.

Unlike the previous years where hotels in Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, Diani, Kilifi, and the historic Lamu Island among other tourist attraction areas were filled with tourists during the July-May high season, things are different this time round.

Only a few tourists are booked in hotels or can be seen along the beaches and in the towns which have recorded a low number of tourists since the high season started in July last year.

The sharp drop has been attributed to rising insecurity, poor infrastructure, filthy towns and harassment of tourists by beach operators.

The region has an estimated 90 major tourist hotels of international standards which have all recorded a bed occupancy of between 30 to 50 per cent, as opposed to the usual 70 to 80 per cent during high seasons.

The low numbers have also affected visitors to Tsavo National Park, Shimba Hills national reserve and the various Kenya Wildlife managed marine parks in the Indian Ocean.

A sharp decline in international tourist arrivals and low domestic tourists activities has seen a number of hotels currently executing a number of survival measures with others facing closure.

In Mombasa, majority of the hotels are majorly depending on conferences while in the South and far north, hotels are almost closing down.

Written by Martin Mwita/Read more at allAfrica