Mombasa, KENYA: In a bid to boost domestic tourism, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa in Kwale has entered into a partnership with Madaraka Express that will see domestic tourists save up to 25 percent in their bookings.
Dubbed Diani Reef by Train package, the new package is set to commence on 20th October in commemoration of Mashujaa day and will run up to December this year.
The Managing Director Bobby Kamani, on Thursday said the new package is in a bid to promote domestic tourism that has been growing steadily despite the election year.
“We believe that the 25 percent discounted rate will enable many of the domestic tourists to take advantage of the tourism opportunities within the South Coast and more so to our facility.” Said Kimani.
The Diani Reef by Train package includes return transport from Nairobi to Mombasa, transfers from the railway station, accommodation on half board basis among other complimentaries offered by the hotel.
Ever since it’s inception on 1st June this year, Madaraka Express has boosted domestic tourism at the Coast, with so many touring companies taking advantage of the trains capacity to carry a huge number of people, the convenience that comes with the cost and shorter travel period compared to buses.
Kenya Railways have since increase the capacity of the train from 1,200 passengers per trip to 1,500 passengers, by adding a coach due to the surge in demand.
Tourism CS Najib Balala speaking at Diani Reef Beach Resort in June, said that following the introduction of the train services, hotels in Mombasa had experienced a rise in the number of domestic tourists.
According to the Kenya Tourism board, hotels at the Coast are recording an occupancy of between 50 and 60 per cent of tourists both local and international.
KTB says at this time of year, occupancy usually between 40 and 50 per cent at most hotels.
Mr. Kamani also added that the SGR is set to boost transport accessibility by complimenting the almost accomplished Dongo-Kundu bypass that will open up tourism in South Coast.
“We know that the Dongo-Kundu bypass will be completed in first quarter of 2018 and this will reduce the transport mayhem that has been experienced for many years by tourists having difficulty accessing South Coast via the ferry terminal.” Added Kimani.
In February this year, Diani Reef also introduced a saving plan for domestic tourists dubbed Easy pay plan; an initiative that allows domestic tourists to choose a package with the hotel and save up for it over time before disembarking on the journey.
Kamani also noted that the Easy pay plan initiative would complement the Diani Reef by Train package and allow more local tourists to enjoy the various offerings in South Coast.