Traditionally, the Kenyan Coast has been viewed as a prime destination for international tourists, as well as a section of local travelers who often visit during the festive seasons.
However, it has recently been a different story, with the tourism business picking up as tourists now continue to flock to the Coast both during and outside the peak seasons.
Hoteliers say the shift is helping sustain business throughout the year, reducing the sector’s traditional dependence on international tourists and seasonal travel.
For instance, at Bamburi Beach Hotel, Sales and Marketing Manager Margaret Masha says domestic travelers have become an important part of the hotel’s clientele, alongside visitors from international markets.
“There has been a very big shift in terms of domestic tourism. The nationals are now coming in, not only for holidays but also for MICE meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.”
Masha says the growing local market has helped keep the hotel active even during periods that would traditionally be considered low season.
The trend extends to Kenyans living abroad, who are returning to the Coast with their families to reconnect with the country and expose their children to Kenyan culture.
Lorah Rugendo, a Kenyan living in the United Kingdom, travelled to Mombasa with her daughter for a beach holiday and to give her an opportunity to experience Kenyan culture.
“I came to bring my daughter to the beach and expose her to the Kenyan culture. The food has been amazing, the weather is perfect and the services are great.”
Rugendo says the combination of entertainment, culture and family-friendly facilities made the experience worthwhile.
For Lorah, the experience also demonstrates the potential of Mombasa as a destination for families travelling from abroad.
Beyond hotels and holiday facilities, tourism stakeholders say increased domestic travel has a wider economic impact, reiterating that the benefits of a thriving tourism sector extend to communities and small businesses that provide goods and services to visitors.
Recent major events hosted at the Coast have also demonstrated the wider economic value of increased visitor numbers, with accommodation facilities beyond traditional hotels benefiting from the additional demand.
Bamburi Beach Hotel Food and Beverages Manager Joel Mwalaulo said the hotel is seeking to give domestic travellers a fresh and elevated way of experiencing the Kenyan Coast through quality cuisine and unique experiences.
He said domestic tourism should go beyond simply travelling locally to creating memorable experiences that encourage Kenyans to explore the country.
“Domestic tourism is not simply about travelling locally; it is about experiencing Kenya at a standard that inspires pride, encourages exploration and keeps more tourism value within our country,” Mwalaulo said.
As Kenya seeks to strengthen domestic tourism, industry players say encouraging more residents and Kenyans in the diaspora to explore the Coast could provide a more reliable source of business while supporting thousands of livelihoods.
For Mombasa, the growing domestic market offers an opportunity to build a tourism economy that is less dependent on international arrivals and one that remains active throughout the year.
