The Port of Lamu celebrated the arrival of the cruise ship MV SH Diana, which sailed last Friday from Zanzibar with 127 passengers on board.
KPA, led by the General Manager of Port of Lamu, Eng. Vincent Sidai, conducted a ceremony to mark the ship’s return visit to the historic coastal town after a maiden voyage in November last year.
Eng. Sidai, who delivered remarks on behalf of Managing Director Captain William Ruto, noted the steady rise in cruise passengers arriving at both the Port of Lamu and Mombasa, crediting this achievement to the ports’ infrastructural development strategy, which resulted in the construction of a modern Cruise ship terminal in Mombasa port.
With its stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean, Kenya has recognized the potential of cruise ship tourism as a catalyst for economic growth. In recent years, the Kenyan government has taken strategic measures to harness the benefits of this industry, aiming to enhance the country’s global appeal and create sustainable development opportunities.
Cruise ship tourism contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy by generating revenue from passenger spending on shore excursions, local goods, and services. Additionally, the influx of tourists stimulates various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail. The economic impact ripples through local communities, providing employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
In 2019, the global cruise industry welcomed nearly 30 million passengers, creating jobs for 1.8 million people and contributing 154 billion dollars to the global economy. Kenya is eyeing a larger piece of the cruise tourism pie, and the recent construction of a new cruise ship terminal is the first step towards tapping into this lucrative segment. The port of Mombasa can attract 140,000 passengers per year
The cruise company MSC Cruisers has employed 2,500 Kenyans who work on various ships all over the world. The Kenyan government has been proactive in promoting sustainable tourism practices within the cruise industry. Collaborating with cruise operators, the focus has been on minimizing the environmental footprint of cruise ships and preserving the rich cultural heritage along the coastline. Strict regulations and guidelines ensure responsible tourism, preserve marine ecosystems, and safeguard cultural sites, according to government officials.
Recognizing the need for world-class infrastructure to accommodate cruise ships, the Kenyan government has invested in upgrading and developing ports along the coastline. Modernized facilities enhance the overall cruise experience for passengers and make Kenya an attractive destination for cruise operators. Investments in port infrastructure also have positive spillover effects on other industries, such as shipping and logistics.
The port of Mombasa is capable of attracting 140,000 passengers annually.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
