The country is set to witness a tourism boom in the coastal region following the launch of the first direct flight from Mombasa to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday welcomed the new flight route by Kenya Airways to the popular destination in the Middle East saying it would boost tourism in the region and safeguard millions of jobs in the coastal city.
“The launch of this flight marks yet another initiative of sustaining millions of jobs in the tourism sector in the Coast region. By connecting the Kenyan Coast to the Middle East, the travel time is effectively reduced, thereby making Kenya one of the most attractive destinations for the Middle East holidayers,” the DP said.
He spoke on Thursday night when he launched the first direct flight to Dubai at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
While challenging the national carrier to be more innovative as it faces increasing competition from other airlines, the DP said the government will continue to offer the carrier support until it is fully back on its feet.
“We are aware of the various challenges the airline continues to face. The Kenya Kwanza Administration is determined to support the airline to regain its full pride,” he stated.
The opening of the Mombasa airport to direct international flights followed requests from local leaders who had pushed for them for a long time saying they would boost the coastal city’s tourism sector.
The DP said they had acted on the requests within a short period after coming into office promising the government’s continued support for economic activities in the region. He stated that they would be working with all leaders from the area to enhance development in the coastal counties.
“Kenya Kwanza government is always thinking about the people of this region. We are asking you to work with us as we develop this area,” he said.
He also cited the return of key port operations to Mombasa as among the issues the government had acted on immediately when it came into office in September.
The DP was accompanied by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Tourism and Wildlife counterpart Penina Malonza.
“This is a dream that has come true for the Ministry of Tourism. This will open our coastal line to tourists from the Middle East, Asia and Europe,” said Malonza.
