The government is working on refining the cruise experience for international visitors, with future plans to diversify the excursions available to cruise ship passengers.
Speaking during the MV Logos Hope call at the Port of Mombasa, Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza said that these are part of plans for a larger infrastructure push that includes upgraded airports and road connectivity, all designed to amplify the Magical Kenya experience.
Malonza said the increasing arrival of cruise ships like MV Logos Hope showcases Kenya’s magnetic appeal, thus the need to expand the cruise tourism experience, with Mombasa playing a pivotal role.
“Our land boasts a diverse tableau of experiences—wildlife safaris, water sports, cultural richness, and tranquil beaches. These unique offerings have already led to return visits, like last year’s encore from the MV World Odyssey, signalling our rising status as a prime tourist hub,” Malonza said.
She said these unique offerings have already led to return visits, like last year’s encore from the MV World Odyssey, signalling Kenya’s rising status as a prime tourist hub.
In the recent cruise tourism circuit season that ended in April this year, the Port of Mombasa received four vessel calls carrying over 4,000 passengers.
The next cruise tourism circuit kicks off in September.
The CS noted that the global impact of the cruise industry is awe-inspiring, adding that before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise ship business generated over Sh2.2 trillion and catered to nearly 30 million passengers worldwide.
She said the country is now ready to meet the new demand for cruise tourism with the construction of the multi-million cruise terminal at the Port of Mombasa.
She said the inauguration of Mombasa’s cruise terminal is our bold step into this lucrative market.
According to the CS, the Ministry is actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, to maximise the benefits of the coastal assets in supporting cruise tourism.
“Furthermore, the blue economy is a crucial aspect of our tourism fabric as it is set to witness invigorating changes, strengthening our commitment to sustainable tourism,” she said.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto said they have worked closely with cruise tourism stakeholders in the region under the leadership of the Cruise Africa Association and Port Management of Eastern and South Africa (PMESA) to market the Indian Ocean realm as a cruise destination of choice.
He hailed the arrival of MV Logos Hope in the country, noting that it is significant to the country as its visit implied that the country is making progress towards reclaiming its position as a cruise hub in the Indian Ocean cruise circuit.
“As a port authority, we have made significant strides to improve cruise ship reception facilities, notably the completion of a modern cruise terminal, a dredged channel, and improved security and safety standards in compliance with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code,” said Cpt. Ruto.
He added they have engaged other global partners such as the Japanese Islands Association and cruise ship owners such as Crystal Lines, Princess Lines, and American Lines, among others.
“We remain steadfast in improving our port facilities to remain competitive not only in handling services but also in the promotion of our country as a cruise tourism destination because this is the fastest-growing maritime sector in the world,” he said.
Edward David Whonis, the director of MV Logos Hope, said their vision is to make a difference in the world and that the project is to advance the well-being of people everywhere they go.
He said this is achieved in several ways, including by sharing knowledge.
“Logos means the word of God. It is our pleasure and privilege to serve the people of Mombasa, and we hope to meet a lot of people on board,” he said.
MV Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair that has been dubbed ‘the floating library’, docked in Mombasa on Tuesday and is expected to stay in the region for 45 days.
The ship has opened its doors to the public to select books of their choice from the wide array of over 5,000 different titles in book genres including science, sports, hobbies, language, faith, cookery, arts, and medicine.
For the next one-and-a-half months, Kenyans will be treated to the fun of touring the expansive vessel and exploring other amenities like the ship’s Visitors’ Experience Deck, Welcome Area, and International Café for a Sh50 entrance fee.
MV Logos Hope is a sister vessel to MV Doulos, which docked in Mombasa in 2005 and welcomed thousands of Kenyans on board.
The CS welcomed members of the public to visit the cruise ship, which she termed not just a ship but a floating repository of knowledge, help, and hope.
By Chari Suche
