This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the tourism industry, hotels in Mombasa are taking measures to survive. One such hotel is the Reef Hotel, which has announced that it will offer free accommodation to its guests until the end of June.
According to Eunice Thoya, the Sales and Marketing Assistant at Reef Hotel, the free stay is only available to those who dine in the facility at Sh6,500. This offer is a desperate attempt by the hotel to stay afloat, as it is not generating enough income to sustain its operations.
"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," said Thoya.
The offer is only valid until June 30, but the hotel is open to extending it if the government extends the cessation of movement in Mombasa and Nairobi.
"In case the lockdown continues we will still extend the offer because we are trying to make people know that we are open," Thoya added.
Reef Hotel is not the only hotel in Mombasa taking measures to survive. Other hotels such as Sarova have allowed customers to book and pay for the facility in instalments.
"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 instalment," said the hotel in a statement.
Travelers Beach Hotel general manager Hillary Siele said they are now prepared to host clients, having fully complied with the Ministry of Health regulations to ensure social distancing, high standards of hygiene and all other regulations.
According to the Monetary Policy Committee, market perception survey done in May, only 19 percent of the hotels have since reopened. Those surveyed reported zero forward bookings and only 5 percent had forward bookings for the period.
