KPA plans Sh50m cruise terminal at Mombasa port to woo tourists
Tourists disembark from a cruise ship. KPA has budgeted Sh50 million for the construction of a cruise terminal at the port of Mombasa to increase cruise tourism. PHOTO | FILE |
What you need to know:
The terminal will provide a place for visitors to relax on arrival and before departure.
Last year only two cruise ships docked at the port while this year only one cruise arrived in March.
KPA in collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board would promote the port at international markets to woo more holidaymakers.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has budgeted Sh50 million for the construction of a cruise terminal at the port of Mombasa to increase cruise tourism.
The port lacks a dedicated terminal for cruise ships docking at the harbour.
Monday, principal communications officer Haji Masemo said the project would be fully funded in the current financial year.
Global recognition
The terminal will provide a place for visitors to relax on arrival and before departure.
“After receiving global recognition (by the World Travel Association), it is important for the port to have a tourism facility to cater for cruise tourists coming to Mombasa from across the world,” he said.
Mr Masemo said KPA would leverage on the WTA award to attract more cruise ships to the country.
Last year only two cruise ships docked at the port while this year only one cruise arrived in March.
“For the last five years we have seen a slump in cruise tourism due to pirate attacks which used to occur off Somalia. But since Kenya Defence Forces soldiers were deployed to Somalia coupled with patrols by the other naval forces, piracy cases have reduced,” he added.
Mr Masemo said the port expects to receive three more cruise ships between September and December.
He explained that KPA in collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board would promote the port at international markets to woo more holidaymakers.
“The port is a member of the Cruise Indian Ocean association. We shall use the platform to win back the confidence of cruise visitors,” he added.
Ailing industry
Mombasa County Tourism executive Tumbo Odhiambo called on the KPA to fast track the terminal as part of efforts to revive the ailing industry.
“It is encouraging that the port received accolades which we must capitalise on to revamp the sector,” he said.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast vice chairman Silas Kiti called on KTB to market the port to boost cruise tourism.
“When the tourists arrive in Mombasa, they visit the national parks and game reserves generating revenue for tourism investments and the Kenya Wildlife Service,” he said.
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