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Kenyan coastal city sees recovery in tourism

Xinhua, August 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

Tourist booking figures have given hotels in Kenya's coastal resort of Mombasa a 60 percent occupancy in August, hinting a recovery in the tourism industry.

Kenya has seen a drop in tourist numbers blamed on travel warnings issued by several Western nations following militant attacks in the capital Nairobi and the coast.

Sam Ikwaye, chief executive officer for Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, said many hotels which closed amid the warnings have started reopening.

Hotel occupancy at the coast dwindled to below 20 percent during tourist season last year, but now the industry is expected to fully recover by the end of this year, Ikwaye said.

Britain in June lifted its warnings against travelling to part of Kenya, including Mombasa.

Tourism is one of Kenya's top foreign currency earner and it supports jobs of handicraft makers, taxi drivers, fishermen and farmers at the coast.

A 10-day Mombasa International Cultural Festival is being held in a bid to attract visitors and investment. Endit