This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the tourism industry, hotels in Mombasa are finding innovative ways to survive. One such hotel is the Reef Hotel, which has announced that it will offer free accommodation to customers who dine in the facility until the end of June.
According to Eunice Thoya, Sales and Marketing Assistant at the Reef Hotel, the free stay is only available to those who pay for food at Sh6,500. 'We are not having much income as we used to have before, so the only way we can keep this area active is by allowing clients to pay for food and sleep here for free,' she said.
Other hotels in the area, such as Sarova and Travelers Beach Hotel, are also offering special deals to attract clients. Sarova has introduced an installment payment plan, allowing customers to book and pay for the facility in installments. 'We have made it easier for you to afford and book your holiday. Take advantage by placing a down payment and pay off the balance in installment,' the hotel said in a statement.
Travelers Beach Hotel has also announced that it is ready to host clients, having fully complied with the Ministry of Health regulations to ensure social distancing, high standards of hygiene, and all other regulations. 'We have fully complied with the Ministry of Health regulations to ensure social distancing, high standards of hygiene and all other regulations,' said Hillary Siele, General Manager of the hotel.
According to the Monetary Policy Committee, only 19 percent of hotels have since reopened, with zero forward bookings and only 5 percent having forward bookings for the period. The hotels' announcement comes at a time when the reduction in travel and tourism industry has influenced unemployment, with major tourism sites mainly located at the coast of Kenya and a few other upcountry destinations.
