Tourism Players Agitate for Open Sky Policy to Increase Tourism Numbers
Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) chair Victor Shitakha. (Photo By Harrison Kivisu)
By Harrison Kivisu & George Otieno
Email, thecostnewspaper@gmail.com
Players in the tourism sector have implored the government to actualize the Open sky policy to allow more direct flights land in Mombasa from different international tourism markets.
According to the Ministry of tourism, Kenya targets to surpass a five million mark in international tourism arrivals, therefore with open skies airlines will get an opportunity to bring in more visitors.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the East Africa Ocean festival, Mohamed Osman, County Executive Committee Member, Department of Tourism, affirmed that Mombasa is positioning itself with new tourism ventures to absorb the numbers.
The county official says the county government in collaboration with key players is investing heavily on tourism promotion as well as culture tourism and expeditions, a pivotal tourism venture that has remained untapped.
“At Mombasa tourism department we are targeting to increase our tourism numbers, exploring new experiences in cultural tourism to hit 3 million international arrivals by end of 2025,this can be achieved if the government can implement the open sky policy,” said Osman.
Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) chairperson Victor Shitakha said Mombasa has historically remained as a tourism hub offering the best experiences in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
To tap into the Ocean resources, Mombasa in partnership with other key players has organized the East Africa Ocean Festival that is set to attract huge tourism numbers both locally and internationally.
According to the second edition ocean festival founder Hamis Mwaguya said the festival is expected to take place from 17th to 19th October 2025 and will represent a profound homage to the sea, an embodiment of cultural legacy, and an economic catalyst.
“Mombasa is going for the million dollars in the untapped ocean resources, this festival is a good opportunity to showcase what the county has to offer in the blue economy sector,” Mwaguya said.
He said the festival will incorporate more East African countries like Uganda and other willing nations to make the festival merrier and competitive.
Mwaguya said underwater cultural heritage from Lunga Lunga to Mozambique is an addition to the festival hoping to attract another set of tourists who love cultural incursions.
“This is a niche market we are tapping that will include going deep into the sea to view sunken boats and other vessels just like people pay to go down the ocean where the titanic ship sunk” he added.
Apart from Camel racing and beach cleaning exercise before the event, Mwaguya said local youths will also benefit from deep diving lessons to equip them with necessary skills.
“I therefore urge the community to take advantage of the forthcoming festival to follow and also showcase their products on the blue economy”, Mwaguya added.
The second edition of the premier 3-day ocean sporting and entertainment event is set to take place at Tudor Creek, Mombasa, promising to celebrate not just the allure of the ocean but also the deep-rooted maritime history of the captivating city of Mombasa and East Africa as a whole.
Mombasa county CECM Kibibi Abdalla said the Ocean festival will also ensure protection of the ocean environment through initiatives like mangrove planting and beach clean ups.
“The festival is a significant event to ensure we also protect the Ocean from pollution and ensure a clean environment,”said Kibibi who spoke on behalf of the Mombasa county governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
