Kenyan hotels register high bookings ahead of Valentines Day

Nairobi, Kenya, Feb 13 –As Kenyans join millions of people around the world in marking Valentine’s Day next week on Monday, hospitality industry players have come up with exclusive deals meant to create a buzz over the weekend and on the eventful day.

Merry makers are counting down to February 14, the first informal holiday of the year. This February, the season of love is back with a bang. Plans are in high gear and the desire to impress is close to tipping point.

Hotels are reportedly doing good business this weekend as guests are making reservations.

At PrideInn Azure, staff are preparing to impress with a Sh 10,000 dinner per couple offering, with those seeking accommodation paying extra for weekend staycation for Sh 21,000 Bed and Breakfast and a presidential suite for sh 85000.

“55 per cent of the hotel is already booked. There are great business prospects since January and the flow is still promising as well,” said Aditya Mata, the general manager at PrideInn Azure.

About 32 couples have made reservations for rooms at PrideInn Azure throughout the Valentine’s weekend, he added.

At PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa, Mombasa, the General Manager Ann Peggy said the hotel is at 60 per cent occupancy for Valentine’s weekend as of now and they expect the remaining rooms to be sold over the weekend owing to last minute bookings.

“Most bookings have come from the local market. A majority of them will check in on Saturday and Sunday check out on Monday. We should treat Valentine’s Day as a boon to domestic tourism which is a major driving factor of Kenya’s tourism and travel sector, contributing more than half of its Gross Domestic Product,” she added

After a harsh 2021, during which the Covid-19 pandemic ensured the lovers’ day was dull, quiet and uneventful, 2022 is set to be different with the economy recovering and restrictions on social gatherings all relaxed.