One of the oldest hotel chains in Kenya with several establishments dotted across the country, Sun Africa Group of Hotels, has announced plans to boost domestic tourism through pocket-friendly packages.
Sun Africa Hotel Group Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa Rahul Sood told Weekend Business that they remain committed to Destination Kenya and supporting ventures aimed at helping the tourism industry grow.
One of the group’s oldest facilities, Nyali Sun Africa at Mombasa, recently got spruced up at a cost of more than Sh100 milllion.
The hotel group began operations in 1927 and has expanded its foot print from the shores of Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Maasai Mara and the Coast.
“Our long history goes back into the last century when there were palatial homesteads on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Those were the days of the flying boats by British Imperial Airways, what became BOAC before emerging as British Airways,’’ said Mr Sood.
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He said they have several enticing offers for local and international tourists.
Sood said they support the Government which has come up with radical measures to boost tourist numbers.
“The development of an interactive Kenya Tourism Portal to promote and manage booking and distribution of domestic guests under the Tourism Stimulus Programme, Charter Incentive Programme as well as boosting both security and improving support infrastructure are laudable moves by the Government,” he said.
Among the facilities in the Sun Africa stable are Sun Africa Hotel Nairobi, Sovereign Suites also in Nairobi, Kiboko Luxury Camp in Naivasha, Kiboko Luxury Camp, Maasai Mara, Sun Africa Beach Resort ,Mombasa and Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel and Spa.
Others include the Keekorok Lodge, Lake Naivasha Country Club and Lake Baringo Club.
At the same time, Sun Africa Hotels Group General Manager James Rattos said they are firming up preparations before applying to the Tourism Regulatory Authority to have their two units in Mombasa County classified.
Those to be classified are the 177-room Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel and its boutique property, the Sun Africa Beach Resort.
“We delayed enlisting our two Mombasa properties as they were undergoing some sprucing up. But we are almost there and shall soon be calling in TRA assessors to classify them,” said Mr Rattos.
He said when they took over the Nyali property, 50 hotel rooms were run down but have been brought back to shape.
The first phase of the hotel’s refurbishment is complete and they are embarking on a the last phase, he added.
Coast Regional General Manager Harrison Njoroge said the group is also focusing on tapping into conference tourism.
“The port city of Mombasa is ever becoming a popular conference destination with several local, regional and international meetings being held here.We want a share of the conference cake,” he said.
