Munira Mandano

ARRIVALS: There is a surge in local tourists making bookings in Diani, Kwale County, with hoteliers optimistic it will usher in good business ahead of the festive season in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

Guests in most of the hotels are said to be Kenyan nationals while the rest are from other East Africa countries.

Diani Reef General Manager Jotham Mwang’ombe said they mainly target local tourists as most foreign countries are hard hit by the scourge-induced lockdowns and travel restrictions.

“Our main target this year are local tourists and these are guests from within the country and from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi who are coming to stay with us, leading to good bookings ahead of the festive season,” Mwang’ombe said.

He said the recent awards that they recently got will be of a major boost to them and has come at the best time ahead of the festive season.

“Last week, Diani Reef Resort won two awards by the world travel advisory. The first award we won is that we are recognised as the number one Beach resort in Kenya and the second award is that we have the best Spa in Africa,” Mwang’ombe disclosed.

He added that ahead of the festive season the management has opened the newly refurbished Fins Restaurant located at the beach.

Mwang’ombe also disclosed that most international guests have booked from next year as they await for their countries to open up  and remove travel restrictions.

Joan Ndun’gu ,the resident manager at Leopard Beach hotel, said they are currently running at 53 per cent occupancy.