by David Musyoka
NAIROBI, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's international tourist arrivals from January to April reported 10.3 percent increase in tourist inflows to the country, despite the upcoming 2017 general elections, which have led to security concerns, the country's marketers said on Monday.
Kenya Tourism Board CEO, Betty Radier, said the increased arrivals -- 292,160, compared to 264,784 over the same period in 2016 -- is buoyed by key attractions, including the wildebeest migration at the Masai Mara, the standard gauge railway (SGR) services from Nairobi to Mombasa and increased chartered flights by international carriers including from Poland, Italy and Oman.
"Given the feedback we have received from numerous stakeholders, including hoteliers at the coast as well as the Masai Mara, most hotels and resorts are currently experiencing full booking," Radier said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
The wildebeest migration, also known as the 8th wonder of the world, started in June and is expected to continue until October.
Radier said the East African nation has also provided a haven for honeymooners.
"We believe the data for the months of May to July are representative of growth in tourism numbers to Kenya. We are optimistic that the sector will remain resilient," said Radier.
She said the number of tourists visiting the coastal region also increased tremendously following the commencement of the SGR services.
Launched about two months ago, the Madaraka Express, as local people call it, so far has ferried more than 200,000 passengers between Mombasa and Nairobi.
Hoteliers say the rail services have opened up the coastal area to a new segment of holidaymakers that range from domestic to international tourists.
They further highlighted more holidaymakers are visiting their facilities due to the efficiency, low cost and convenience of the rail service.
"At this time of the year bed occupancy rate usually oscillates between 40-50 percent, but currently the situation is much better some reporting as high as 80 percent," KTB official said.
She said Kenya's hosting of the just concluded 10th and final edition of the IAAF WU18 Championships also added to the increase of arrivals into the country. The WU18 Championships brought athletes from about 130 nations and over 70 international media into the country.
Mohammed Hersi, Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation, acknowledged the collective gains that tourism has made over time.
"The sector is experiencing the best season since 2012 and we are certain that we are heading to reclaim our number one position in contribution to Kenya's economy," Hersi said.
