We hoped so in our pre-Christmas articles and also in the New Year forecasts published on this site: the Italian and international tourist season in Kenya is not yet over.
The so-called long wave, which after the pandemic seemed to have to become a tidal wave, is occurring with new arrivals even in the first week of February, after an excellent January and charters that were always full, with occupancy at the large resorts still not dropping below 50% on average, and holidaymakers who have often and willingly extended their holidays.
Agencies, airlines and booking sites are also receiving requests for March and charters will end their flights in early April, despite the possibility, if there is demand, of adding an extra flight for Easter week.
Satisfaction also came from Diani's hoteliers, who had not experienced such a busy tourist season since 2018. The difficulty in capping prices, given the inflation and consequent loss of value of the shilling against the euro and the dollar, has created problems especially for restaurateurs and service providers who rely on transport (the safari sector is also involved) due to the increase in fuel prices.
On the other hand, for those coming to Kenya from the West, prices remain affordable precisely because the exchange rate is advantageous. A double-edged sword that will not ultimately benefit the country and consequently neither will tourism. But this season in the meantime has proved to be a 'time in the middle' and has been able to revive many activities, especially on the coast, and bring back a salary to thousands of employees in the hospitality and allied industries. Onwards and upwards, hoping that in the meantime in Kenya, after the rain of tourists, the real rains will come and the suffering of the poor people and the country can return above bearable thresholds.