As the world ushered in the New Year, Mombasa County was not left behind from joining the world in celebrating after enduring and persevering through the hard economic times last year.
The hotel industry on the other hand enjoyed the increased number of both domestic and international tourists who exuded confidence in the beach destination, hotels, and resorts.
At exactly Midnight, Fireworks lit the sky at various beaches, hotels and entertainment joints at the Coast where hundreds of [people had gathered for a vigil to usher in the New Year 2024.
For a moment, all the troubles and burdens of 2023 seemed to have been forgotten as Kenyans ushered in the New Year in style by cheering and jubilating, singing, dancing, shaking hands, and hugging each other without minding who they were.
At Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort Hotel in Mombasa, magnificent displays of fireworks colored the sky as thousands of excited local and international tourists cherished as they made beautiful memories merry to welcome the long-awaited New Year.
Sarova Whitesands resort and spa general manager Francis Msengeti who also doubles as the chairman of the Kenya hotel keepers and caterers association said that they anticipate a year of investment and growth in the industry.
“ Due to the New Year and Christmas Eve we’ve managed to close the year with a good bed occupancy of both local and international tourists It pleasing to see this tear many Kenyans from different parts of the country have played a big role in supporting our industry, we are also happy to acknowledge the international tourists for choosing the coast,” said Mr. Msengeti.
Many of the Coast hotels, resorts,s and BMB had a high number of bookings compared to other holidays as local and international visitors flocked to the tourist destination for the festivities.
Msengeti anchored that last year had been a good year for the hotel sector as they recorded increased bookings from both domestic and international tourists.
“despite the harsh economic in Kenya, we managed to ensure that we offer excellent services to our clients hence keeping them afloat with tourists exuding confidence in the destination.
Domestic tourists who were interviewed reiterated that the year 2023 has been tough but despite the hard economic times Kenyans have had to endure, they remain optimistic and look forward to a great year
“Life has not been easy, high cost of living fueling and commodities shooting up every day, bad politics but despite all we managed to save for this holiday, my friends and I had a dream of vising Mombasa for a long time whereby we came up with a plan of saving four thousand every months since January 2023 up December, it was quite challenging however we didn’t give up and believer me our holiday has been worth our scarify,” said Anita Adhiambo resident of Awendo
At the Maasai Beach Resort Emmanuel Capezzali and Sabrina, his wife an Italian tourist couldn’t hide their excitement as they joined other tourists and locals for New Year celebrations.
This is our first time in Africa, my wife and wanted to visit Africa after long research we settled in Kenya, we were impressed by everything we set our eyes on, the hospitality we received was beyond measure, lovely culture, amazing people, beautiful beaches and national parks, I think this is one of my best holiday ever I’m glad to be among these lovely people in new year celebration,” said the smiling Capezzali.
KTMN Reporter