Workers turn to beekeeping after coast hotels layoffs
Former workers in the hospitality industry in Watamu, at the Coast, are switching to beekeeping and mango farming as way of fending for their families. PHOTO | FILE
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A number of hotels and resorts in the area were forced to lay off staff after making huge losses following plummeting tourist numbers due to insecurity.
Former workers in the hospitality industry in Watamu, at the Coast, are switching to beekeeping and mango farming as way of fending for their families.
A number of hotels and resorts in the area were forced to lay off staff after making huge losses following plummeting tourist numbers due to insecurity.
Ferdinand Maitha, a tour guide at Watamu Marine National Park said locals came together and initiated the income generating projects that would blend well with environmental conservation.
“Beekeeping and mango farming in this mangrove forest were the best options as opposed to logging and fishing which destroys corals,” said Mr Maitha.
Another lot of former hotel workers have switched to selling of curios along Mida Creek, a major tourists location in the area.
Tourist numbers in the area declined between May and July this year leading to closure of a number of resorts and hotels due to lack of business.
“We remained open during the period thanks to a number of business conferences hosted at our resort that kept us going. We however reduced number of workers from 193 to the current 105,” said Ralph Schillinger, Temple Point Resort general manager.
Though Watamu is calm and safe to visit, perceptions painted by European media are that the area is volatile and unsafe for tourists.
“It is going to take a while to repair this image but we are optimistic that the tourist numbers will flow back to normal soon,” said Mr Schillinger.
Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi said challenges facing the tourism sector should be used as opportunities for resorts to be innovative.
“It is only innovative resorts that will meet their financial targets and obligations despite the dark clouds that we are currently facing,” he said.
Mr Kingi was speaking in Watamu over the weekend during the opening of an Indian Restaurant at the Temple Point Resort.
“Unveiling Mahek Restaurant shows resilience and is a way of attracting clients to the resort due to its uniqueness,” he said.
