This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
July 26, 2021 - The Kenyan coast is set to receive a significant influx of international tourists during the peak tourism season following the launch of direct flights by Eurowings Discover.
Eurowings Discover, the newest leisure airline within the Lufthansa Group, commenced its flights on July 24, 2021, with two weekly flight services from Frankfurt, Germany to Mombasa, with onward flights to the region.
Speaking during the reception of the inaugural flight at the Moi International Airport Mombasa, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala hailed the flight as a testament to the strides Kenya is making in the recovery of tourism activities, which were minimal due to restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Kenya has been making great progress as a destination in attracting tourists from different markets and especially from Europe. This flight is yet another milestone in the recovery of activities in the country. The Kenyan Coast is especially showing great interest from tourists from across Europe and beyond,” said CS Balala.
He noted that the Kenyan coast was a popular destination for European tourists, adding that the flight would create a link between Kenya and European travellers.
Germany and Europe remain a key source market for tourists, with the potential for further growth with the new emerging younger consumers and the continued relations between Kenya and European countries, according to CS Balala.
“With the emergence of new market trends and a new consumer segment, we have an opportunity to expand our markets and to reach the now younger and health-conscious clientele. We are using every opportunity to showcase our preparedness as a destination as well as improving our experiences and tourism destinations to remain competitive over other destinations,” he added.
On her part, the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Safina Kwekwe reiterated that the government was working towards ensuring a conducive environment that allows a vibrant air travel system and in the process supports tourism activities.
“This development also gives us hope and reassures us that people are eager to travel and experience the world yet again, as a destination we are working hard to ensure that we are ready to host tourists,” she added.
The Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Betty Radier welcomed the new Eurowings Discover flight to Kenya, saying it signalled the growing confidence in the destination by tourists in regards to preparedness against COVID-19.
“Commencement of this direct flight to Mombasa by Eurowings Discover shows that the work we have been putting in is bearing fruits which makes us immensely proud. We shall continue to market Kenya to the world to ensure that we tap into each available market,” said Radier.
