There is satisfaction from the Kenyan institutions regarding the return of international tourism to the Kenya coast.
Numbers speak clear from January to April with 292,000 arrivals, a 10% increase compared to the previous year (data transmitted by the Kenya Tourist Board), while according to reliable calculations at the end of August, visitors to the The country may have exceeded five hundred thousand units.
The Swahili coast also laughs again and Tourism Minister Najib Balala sees in its decision to boost charter flights as one of the reasons why tourism is returning to record flattering numbers.
"The lowering of airport taxes on end destinations Mombasa and Malindi and the incentives of € 30 for each passenger of charter flights have been an important boost - Balala said - the formula will continue for a season."
There are currently five charter companies arriving in Mombasa on a weekly basis, but many more are expected in the winter season, when Polish, Dutch and German will also boost the route.
As far as Italian companies are concerned, Blue Panorama is currently flying two days a week, while Neos and Meridiana will land on Wednesday.
Of course there is the continuing presence of Ethiopian and Turkish Airlines, and the likely entry from March of Qatar.
"The Italians return to the north coast," said the Kenya Tourist Federation President Mohammed Hersi to the newspaper The Standard, and their presence is important. It is now up to the Kilifi County Government to make improvements to the infrastructure, starting with Road situation in Mwtapa to make traffic flow more smoothly. "
Optimism also from the hotel owners of Watamu, whose structures in August accounted for about 70% of the occupation.
"We had some concern over the recent elections - explains Jacaranda Pasquale Tiritò - but everything has been archived in the best of ways and the country is quiet. This gives us confidence in the continuation of the season that will give us great satisfaction."