KENYA: Tourism Boost As 1,000 Arrive Aboard Cruise Ship

Dancers welcome cruise ship MS Nautica when it docked at the Port of Mombasa on November 13, 2015.

Tourism got a boost after another luxury cruise ship on Tuesday docked at the port of Mombasa with more than 1,000 tourists and crew.

It was the first time for MS Insignia, which is operated by Oceania Cruises, to arrive in Mombasa from Seychelles with 668 passengers and 400 crew.

Last Friday, MS Nautica, which is also operated by Oceania Cruises, arrived in Mombasa with 1,070 tourists and crew.

Following the arrival of MS Insignia yesterday, the cruise tourist figure rose to 2,500. Last year, the figure stood at 900.

Most of the holidaymakers were from the United States, while others came from the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Canada, Norway and South Africa.

Some tourists travelled to the Tsavo East and West national parks, the Amboseli and Shimba Hills game reserves, and the Mwalughanje Elephant Sanctuary.

Others enjoyed a tour of Mombasa’s Old Town, Fort Jesus, Haller Park and the Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Centre.

Bird enthusiasts visited the Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kilifi County. The forest boasts 270 bird species.

Mr Ole Kristian Jorgensen, a Norwegian tourist, said he was over the moon for visiting Mombasa for the second time. He said 20 years ago, he visited Mombasa for a one-week holiday.

“At the moment, it’s extremely cold in Norway. I am glad to be in Mombasa to enjoy the warm weather,” said Mr Jorgensen, who was in the company of his wife Sigrun.

“I am surprised that Mombasa has tremendously developed compared to when I arrived here for the first time,” he added.

Mr John Ritchie and his wife Sandy — who are from San Francisco, US — said they had visited the country for bird watching.

The tourists added that they would tour the Arabuko Sokoke Forest to see rare birds such as the Clarke’s weaver, the Sokoke scops owl, the Sokoke Pipit and the Amani sunbird.

“We are bird lovers. We will spend the whole day at Arabuko Sokoke to watch various kinds of bird species found in the forest,” said the couple.

A South African tourist Craig Liddle, who was visiting Mombasa for the first time, said he came to explore Old Town and the iconic Fort Jesus.

He added that he felt at home due to the friendliness of Mombasa residents and the warm weather.

“I am planning to visit again next year to enjoy game drives in Kenya’s popular parks,” he said.

Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said the maiden arrival of MS Insignia was a sign that cruise tourism was on a recovery path.

He attributed the increase in the number of cruise ships visiting Mombasa to the US and UK governments’ lifting of travel advisories against Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.

Addressing journalists at the port of Mombasa after welcoming the tourists, Mr Ndegwa said the board, in collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority, would aggressively market the destination in a bid to attract more cruise tourists.

KENYA: KPA To Build Cruise Ship Terminal At Mombasa Port

Dancers welcome cruise ship MS Nautica when it docked at the Port of Mombasa on November 13, 2015. KPA plans to build a Sh100 million terminal for welcoming tourists on cruise ships.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will spend Sh100 million to construct a terminal for welcoming tourists on cruise ships at the port of Mombasa.

The port lacks a cruise facility for hosting holidaymakers when they arrive in Mombasa by sea.

The port captured headlines in June when the World Travel Awards voted it as Africa’s best cruise port.

Five years ago, it attracted over 10,000 cruise tourists per year before the number took a plunge due to pirate attacks in Somalia territorial waters.

Only two cruise ships docked at the port in 2014 with 900 passengers.

KPA principal communications officer Haji Masemo said construction works will start in 2016.

Mr Masemo stressed the need for the terminal following an increase in the number of tourists to more than 1,800 this year from 900 in 2014.

He also noted the number of cruise ship visits increased from two in 2014 to three this month.

Another ship is expected before the end of November.

“Following a decline in pirate attacks, thanks to the efforts of the Kenya Defence Forces and naval forces of the international community, cruise ships are now coming back to Mombasa,” Mr Masemo said.

He added: “That is why it is necessary for the port to have a terminal where tourists can rest on arrival or before departure.”

Mr Masemo said the port which is a member of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association is capitalising on the organisation to woo back more cruise ships and holidaymakers.

Last week, MS Nautica arrived at the port with 684 tourists and 386 crew members bringing hope for the revival of the ailing sector.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast executive officer Sam Ikwaye said it is important for the port to have the facility to improve services offered to cruise tourists.

He noted that improvement of facilities would help attract more tourists.

“Months ago, the port was recognised as the best and therefore it should have a world-class terminal where tourists can relax,” he said.

He added: “KPA should take advantage of the accolade to attract more cruise ships to Mombasa and help revive the tourism sector.”

Kenya Tourism Board boss Muriithi Ndegwa termed the decision by the US and UK governments to lift of the travel advisories against Mombasa as a major boost to tourism.

“Cruise tourism benefits the industry more since sea travellers are big spenders,” said Mr Muriithi.

The KTB boss added that Mombasa is expected to attract more cruise ships since security had significantly improved in the region.

He explained that KTB would market the destination in international cruise tourism markets to woo back more holidaymakers.

“When the cruise tourists arrive in Mombasa, they go on safari to the national parks as well as visit cultural and historical sites,” he explained.

SEYCHELLES: Luxury Cruise Ships In Port Victoria In Seychelles

Two cruise ships ̶ MSC Sinfonia of the MSC Cruises and MS Nautica which belongs to the Oceania Cruises fleet left Seychelles earlier today after getting a taste of the Seychelles’ experience.

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange accompanied by the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune and the chief executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority Lieutenant Colonel Andre Ciseau and its director for business development David Bianchi paid courtesy calls on the captains of the two ships as they were tied up alongside the quay in Port Victoria.

MS Nautica’s previous port of call was in Cochine, India before arriving in Seychelles on November 8.

The ship which is of 180 metres long, is carrying a total of 629 passengers and 399 members of crew.

MSC Sinfonia’s previous port of call was in Jordan before making its way to Port Victoria. The ship which is carrying a total of 1800 passengers is a one-day trip to Seychelles.

A strong team of 726 crew members ensure that the passengers enjoy their holiday at sea in luxury and comfort.

Minister St.Ange said it is important on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Seychelles Ports Authority to welcome the captain, his team and the passengers to Seychelles and to hold discussions.

One main point discussed was the involvement of local artists to perform on the ships, to promote the Seychelles’ culture and raise the profile of the islands.

Gifts were exchanged on both ships as souvenirs of these port calls.

Minister St.Ange said these books will help the passengers to learn more about Seychelles.

During discussions held with the captains, Minister St.Ange was happy to hear that the passengers had positive feedback on their short visit to Seychelles.

Except for the rain, the visitors have described Seychelles as a safe and beautiful destination and have appreciated the help received during their stay.

Minister St.Ange said cruise ship business is part of the tourism industry of Seychelles and everything which touches this vital industry which is the pillar of our economy needs to be protected.

MS Nautica is expected to be back in Seychelles during the month of December. Minister St.Ange and his delegation were given a tour of the two ships.