This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
Kenya's tourism sector is facing its toughest challenge yet, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing widespread closures and financial struggles for hotels and tour operators.
For Mr. Ishpal Oberoi, managing director of Kuldip's Touring Company, the situation is dire. With zero occupancy, he is forced to pay Sh1.4 million every month to maintain his hotel on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
"This is the worst time for Kenya's tourism sector. Not even terrorism could destroy the industry, but COVID-19 has," Mr. Oberoi said in an interview at his Bamburi hotel in Mombasa County.
Mr. Oberoi's company, which had over 60 tour vans and 88 drivers, has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Today, only three drivers remain.
"If I had somebody willing to buy this business, I would have sold it yesterday. I am tired. I have never been this tired," Mr. Oberoi said, expressing his frustration and desperation.
Monika Solanki, director of Lofty Tours, said her firm is refunding clients who had paid deposits for tours that were cancelled due to the pandemic.
"We are trying to convince people who had already paid to postpone their visits to next year or when we can manoeuvre, but it is difficult. We have paid deposits to hotels but they are not giving us back our money, yet our clients will no longer trust us if we don't refund their cash," Ms. Solanki said.
Operators are calling on Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala to agitate for reduction of water and electricity costs, which are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain with zero occupancy.
