Despite continued terror threats by Somali militant group Al-Shaabab, reports indicate that the number of tourists visiting the Mombasa and the Kenyan coast over the Easter holiday this year has increased significantly compared to last year. According to the March 26 Star, the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers announced a significant increase in hotel bookings by local and foreign tourists ahead of the Easter holiday.
The association’s regional Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sam Ikwaye was quoted in The Star saying:
“Some hotels in Mombasa have even hit 100 per cent. This year is better than last year when we were struggling with travel advisories. Security is good; the weather is perfect for holiday, so everything is looking good”.
Over the past few years, the Kenyan coast has experienced some of Al-Shaabab’s worst terrorist attacks, some of which have targeted foreign tourists. This has caused some countries especially the US and UK to issue travel advisories to their citizens against visiting Kenya. However, these travel advisories have since been revised, which is part of the reason why the tourism sector in Kenya is picking up.
Known for its enthralling wildlife safaris, Kenya has a lot to offer travelers in search of adventure, culture or a romantic holiday: the nation is home to rare wildlife species, unadulterated natural occurrences, unique African cultures and magnificent scenery. While the Kenyan coast definitely makes this top five, click ahead to see four more reasons Kenya belongs on your bucket list.
