By Jane Meza
Mombasa, Kenya: During this festival season, the tourism sector at the coast has received a major boost as a cruise ship carrying 859 tourists of all nationalities docked at the port of Mombasa on Thursday morning.
Some of the tourists who arrived in the country embarked on various travel expeditions with some heading to Shimba Hills, Tsavo, Diani, Malindi, and others choosing to explore Mombasa.
Speaking at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Cruise terminal in Mombasa, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Acting chief Executive Officer John Chirchir while addressing the media said that it is an opportunity for the six counties across the coast region to work together to capitalize on the cruise ship tourism sector.
“We are seeing an opportunity for the Jumuia ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) to work together to tap into the business of cruise tourism and there is a lot of marketing going on and we expect to receive about 13 ships by April next year,” said Chirchir.
During the press briefing, Chirchir also said that KTB is working round the clock to revive the cruise tourism business in Kenya adding that campaigns were going on to attract more vessels to Kenya.
Speaking on behalf of the KPA managing director Captain William Ruto, the KPA General Manager of Cargo Operations Dr. Sudi Mwasinago said that the port plays a pivotal role in reviving the cruise ship business in Kenya and that KPA is at the center of the business and the port plays an interface role between land and sea for the vessels.
“Our role is to support and facilitate this type of business because it is good for the port and we are gaining through the charges the country is also gaining economically and locally,” said Mwasinago.
Mombasa county trade, tourism and culture executive Mohammed Osman noted the coming of the vessel as a mark of confidence that Mombasa remains the preferred tourist destination for both local and international tourists.
“The city is flocking with tourists during this festive season with thousands going to the beaches and other tourist sites within the city both local and international, currently we have many activities going on like we are holding five day extravaganza at Mama Ngina we welcome them there to come and witness the Swahili culture and forty Jesus and many more, “concluded Osman.
The Mombasa County Government of Mombasa is said to continue working closely with KPA and other stakeholders in the tourism industry to ensure that they revamp the city as the number one leading tourist destination in Kenya.
MV Bollette which belongs to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines docked at the Port Cruise Terminal from Port Victoria in the Seychelles with passengers of mixed nationalities and 1000 crew will leave for Zanzibar after an overnight stay in Mombasa to continue with its Indian Ocean voyage.
