An increasing number of Europeans have been flocking the Kenyan coast as they escape the Covid-19 restrictions in their countries.

The UK in January 2021, instituted a lockdown that banned all travel for its residents. At same the time, Hotel managers in Lamu and Watamu area reported an influx of travellers from December 2020 to when the year began.

Hotels such as Peponi reported the one of the best seasons in history with 80% bed occupancy in that period.

"It is crazy how busy we have gotten over the past months. We are full most weekends. A lot of Europeans and Brits are coming down to stay for long periods," the hotel's manager was quoted by British magazine The Independent.

The beachfront view at the Watamu. FILE

When President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a raft of lockdown measures majorly affecting five counties - Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, and Nakuru, International flights were not affected.

Travellers from the UK are exempt from quarantine with the only requirement being a negative Covid-19 test be taken within 96 hours of travel. 

Another popular five-star hotel in Watamu, Hemingway’s, was almost fully booked for the first week of March. 

In many of the Kenyan coastal towns, nightclubs targetting tourists are allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis and revellers party under the protection of compromised government officials. 

Kenya's tourism industry took a heavy hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic but with the reopening of borders and the resumption of international travel.

Kenya tourism ministry has also adopted influencer marketing by engaging British supermodel Naomi Campbell to market Kenya to the international market.

Recently, Kenyan award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has been marketing Kenya as a tourism destination. 

On Tuesday, March 16, the Oscar-Award-winning actress publicized her visit with photos of her vacationing in the picturesque Lamu Island, breaking her routine of a quiet entry and exit into Kenya.

Lupita Nyong'o posing for a photo in Lamu on March 16, 2021

FACEBOOK

A recent report by the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) showed Kenya's tourism recovery projections expecting recovering in three years.

"We expect international arrival recovery in 2024 (at 2.2 million) from the 2019 figure of 2.1 million,” said the TRI in a report.

Arrivals from the US, which is Kenya’s top source market, are predicted to rise to 263,601 from 245,439 in 2019.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom are projected to go up by 13,430, China (6,171) and India (9,076).

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala during a visit to Maasai Mara on February 19, 2021.Kenyans.co.ke

TWITTER