The holidays passed, and as they say...but there were very few saints (especially when on holiday) on the Kenyan coast, compared to tourists of all nationalities who crowded beaches, hospitality facilities and clubs. Like heroes and navigators, more or less. 
The heroism, if you like, is that of the tourism sector, which tries to capitalise on these brief periods of glory and make the most of them, also to promote its beauty for the rest of the year.
Sisyphean efforts, especially to keep the level of services high, not to diminish staff and to afford renovations and novelties to keep up with the times and the expectations of those who choose this part of the world.
In the meantime, however, the past few weeks have marked a point in favour of the holiday industry.
Not only as far as we Italians are concerned, the report of the recently concluded festivities is more than positive, with flattering numbers signalling Kenya's return among Europeans' favourite long-haul destinations.

Undoubtedly the influx has been facilitated, contrary to what is happening globally for air ticket prices, by the decline in the power of the local currency, the Kenyan shilling, which has reached its all-time lows.
But it is not only this: after a season of slight downturn, there has in fact also been an increase in local tourist arrivals.
Kenyans especially chose Malindi, Watamu and Diani for their Christmas holidays. Many New Year's Eve events sold out, starting with the now cult event 'Beneath the Baobab' in Kilifi, and the Paparemo beach party in Watamu, while for Malindi, Rosada Beach and Olimpia Club with its fireworks were the stars of New Year's Eve.

After months on the mute, it was precisely Malindi that returned to breathe the air of tourism everywhere, which gave hope that the town would also get back on track from this point of view, in addition to residential and commercial development.
Watamu, on the other hand, confirms itself as a well-established tourist destination, and the umpteenth Christmas and New Year's full house confirms this, with good expectations also for a summer (i.e. winter in Europe) season of high numbers.

"These have been two weeks that have been more than positive for Watamu," admits Roberto Lenzi, owner of Paparemo Beach and Tamu Restaurant, as well as the 7Islands and Crystal Bay resorts. "The presence of international, young, and varied tourism is taking the destination to the levels of the most desired and frequented destinations in the world. Personally, I have bet once again on Watamu, investing and renovating my facilities. The events we have always believed in, such as the Paparemo Saturday beach party, have confirmed this trend, with an incredible following, and we hope the season will continue with a good turnout".

If Watamu has taken the lion's share, Diani, Kilifi and Lamu have also recorded excellent turnouts and in the last two locations in particular, the new season has seen the opening of new accommodation facilities and restaurants, a sign that there is a desire to bet on the entire coastal destination and on Kenya in general.