Cabinet secretary for Tourism Wildlife and Heritage, Hon. Peninah Malonza has today welcomed 800 passengers aboard the MV World Odyssey, the first ever cruise ship to dock at the new cruise terminal in Mombasa.
“The arrival of this cruise ship is significant especially now that tourism activities in Kenya are enjoying an upward surge. We are ready to be part of the cruise tourism industry and we will continue to actively engage with relevant stakeholders among them the Ministry of transport to ensure that the cruise industry benefits from the presence of essential infrastructure at the Kenyan coast,” said CS Malonza.
The CS also added that plans are already underway to further enhance the cruise tourism experience with the port of Mombasa being an integral part. Such plans include diversification of excursions and tours that the Ministry will be marketing to cruise passengers in the destination.
“The Government will continue to develop and implement tourism policies that will improve the experience of tourists visiting our country, and more specifically at the Coast region,” added CS Malonza.
The arrival of MV World Odyssey ahead of the fully booked hotels for the December holiday, is expected to boost tourism in Mombasa and help reposition it as the leading East Africa tourism hub.
Separately, the CS also met the tourism stakeholders from the Coastal region for a round table. Among the eminent issues raised from the discussion are; E-visa challenges, destination marketing, identifying Coast as a special zone by amplifying the Kenya Coast Brand, establishing Malindi as an alternative point of entry, among others.
The CS promised to look into the arising matters and even table some of the issues during the upcoming cabinet meetings.
Ms Malonza also toured Mombasa Beach hotel in Nyali to establish the status of the hotel as we approach festive season.
Mombasa Beach Hotel is one of the hotels under the umbrella of Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels (K.S.L.H) which fall under her docket. She praised the management for the tremendous efforts made in maintaining the high standards of the hotel and promised to support them in the near future.