In times of closure by Europe towards tourism in African destinations (as well as more or less in all the others outside the Schengen area) hospitality entrepreneurs on the coast are focusing on so-called domestic tourism.
For those who have long been accustomed to "vacation packages" and Italian customers, it is not only a matter of directing their marketing on a market that has different habits and needs, but also of adapting their facilities, services and even the kitchen to a decidedly different clientele.
There are those in Malindi and Watamu who have decided to close hotels and resorts waiting for better times (almost all of them preserving as much as possible jobs and salaries, it is worth remembering this) but also those who have immediately set to work to look not only for a new potential "target" in the capital Nairobi, but also changing formulas and making themselves attractive for weekends or ad hoc groups, offering packages that combine our destinations with excursions, gastronomic experiences and/or sports activities.
This is the case of Crystal Bay Resort which, in the current impossibility to operate with the Italian tour operator of reference, offers a dedicated Bed & Breakfast service that in August was a good success with Kenyan vacationers and continues to offer advantageous rates that also attract customers in September. With the restaurant in Paparemo Beach and the 9-hole Golf Club, Roberto Lenzi, owner of Crystal Bay, has also created opportunities for residents of Mombasa and other cities in Kenya and for groups of golfers who want to experience new "greens" and at the same time attend new locations.
So last weekend more than 40 Kenyans decided to spend a mini-holiday in Watamu, staying at Crystal Bay and challenging each other in the Watamu Golf course, and then celebrate the after race with a nice fish and shellfish meal on one of the most fascinating beaches of the resort, that of Paparemo.
"It was a very successful initiative and at the same time a nice spot for Watamu - comments Lenzi - There is no time to wait for the recovery, if we want to keep the destination alive we have to search and convince new customers and update our offer, proposing a range of experiences that go beyond the only hotel room with beach and swimming pool. Kenyan tourists have resources but can be demanding and want to explore a destination that offers more than just accommodation. Watamu has the potential to do this and those who will move in this direction will not only do the good of their business, but of the entire tourist industry and the many employees who live thanks to this".