Kenya's coastal ports see surge in cruise tourism
Kenya's coastal tourism industry is experiencing a significant boost as both Mombasa and Lamu ports report a surge in international cruise ship arrivals. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) attributes this growth to enhanced infrastructure, including Mombasa Port's new state-of-the-art cruise terminal.
Most recently, the MV SH Diana docked at Lamu Port carrying 127 passengers from Zanzibar, marking its second visit since November 2023. The vessel later arrived in Mombasa with 184 passengers before departing for the Seychelles and Mozambique.
Earlier this year, the luxury liner Norwegian Dawn brought 2,300 passengers and 1,100 crew members to Mombasa, with visitors from 54 different nationalities exploring local attractions and national parks.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto confirmed that Mombasa can now accommodate up to 140,000 cruise passengers annually. The authority has also highlighted the sector's employment benefits, with MSC Cruises alone employing over 2,500 Kenyans on ships worldwide.
Local businesses are benefiting from the tourism surge, with visitors contributing to hospitality, transportation and retail sectors. Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has particularly flourished, with Governor Issa Timamy emphasising the county's commitment to maintaining security to support tourism growth.
Source: The Eastleigh Voice