Construction of a $3.5 mill cruise ship terminal at Mombasa is due to be completed in August next year.
Kenyan Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala (pictured) told local media that the terminal will be completed in time for the cruise season in November.
The cruise ship terminal is being constructed with the help a funding from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Trade Mark East Africa.
According to Balala, Kenya is increasingly becoming attractive to cruise ships. For example, Oceania Cruises’ ‘Nautica’ will arrive at Mombasa in December, with about 700 visitors.
“We have seen good interest by cruise liners attracted to Mombasa port. Kenya has been eyeing cruise tourism growth after the segment improved significantly in the last two years with thousands of visitors arriving in the country by sea,” Balala reportedly said.
The modern facility, which began construction in 2016, will feature an arrival and departure areas for passengers, a passenger lounge, an immigration office, reception counters for cruise operators, restaurants and souvenir shops.
“The cruise ship is good for the hospitality business. We will get many international tourists and attract big ships. We should create awareness on cruise ship tourism so that Kenyans can tap into that business,” added Balala.
