Tourists at a Mombasa hotel. Workers who were sent home during the low season have also been recalled. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
The resumption of charter flights from Italy by Meridiana and Neos airlines has boosted the tourism sector in Malindi and Watamu.
In April, most hotels in Kilifi County temporarily shut down and more than 3,000 hotel workers were sent home.
A number of hotels in Malindi and Watamu which closed down in April have reopened after about 700 tourists arrived from Italy. Workers who were sent home during the low season have also been recalled.
The tourists from the cities of Milan and Rome arrived at Moi International Airport, Mombasa, on Saturday, ending the lull that ensued after key source markets of Australia, Britain and US issued travel advisories over cases of insecurity.
The resumption of charter flights from Italy by Meridiana and Neos airlines has boosted the tourism sector in Malindi and Watamu.
In April, most hotels in Kilifi County temporarily shut down and more than 3,000 hotel workers were sent home.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Coast branch executive officer Sam Ikwaye said the resumption of charter flights was a boost.
“We are delighted that two Italian chartered airlines have resumed flights to Mombasa contributing to the increase of holidaymakers from Italy,” he said.
Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (MCTA) chairman Mohamed Hersi said the Italian tourists would boost hotel occupancy.
“Players in the tourism sector at the Coast are glad that tourists from the Italian source market are coming to the region for holidays. We hope that the United Kingdom and the US will lift the travel advisories to help the sector recover,” said Mr Hersi.
PAYE Tax Calculator
Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
