Sh3.2 billion hotel raises Nairobi’s conference profile

There has been a marked increase in the number of boutique hotels and smaller more homely units in the city.

Kenya’s tourism sector is just coming out of a major slump following a post-election violence in 2008 compounded by the global financial crisis last year.

Increased marketing and moving to new markets has seen the sector recover with 2010 expected to be the best performing year.

The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) says international arrivals stood at 701,691 in August compared to 611,674 last year.

Over one million international visitors are expected by the close of the year.

Earnings stood at Sh48.5 billion as of June 2010, compared to Sh21 billion during the same period last year.

Industry players say that earnings in the sector could reach Sh100 billion.

The growth has mainly been driven by business, conference, sports and safari tourists as the beach market still struggles.

“Beach tourism is down 20 per cent,” said Mr Balala.

pmaina@ke.nationmedia.com