Hotels in the Coast are in sharp focus as Easter falls earlier than usual this year, coinciding with the onset of the April school holidays.
Traditionally, April marks the beginning of the high tourism season in Kenya, with coastal destinations like Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Watamu attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors.
The Easter holiday, often falling mid-April, is associated with family travel and short getaways.
This year, it has fallen in the same week learning institutions are closing, leaving little time for executing travel plans.
Plaza Beach Hotel Mombasa General Manager, Dennis Gwaro, told the Daily Nation that April has always been a strong month for the hospitality industry, particularly in the Coast, driven by family travel and Easter celebrations.
He acknowledged that as they move into what is traditionally one of the busiest periods for the hospitality sector, the Easter weekend presents opportunity and complexities in operations.
International Tourists arrive to board their flights at the Moi International Airport amid the Kenya Airport Workers Strike in Mombasa in this photo taken on February 17, 2026.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation
For the thousands of visitors, especially from the domestic market, school calendars anchor holiday decisions.
When these dates shift or align too closely, transport, accommodation and other travel plans must be reorganised, often in a short time.
“We have seen this reflected clearly in booking patterns. Demand is certainly there and the desire to travel to the Coast remains strong,” Mr Gwaro added.
“However, we have observed shorter lead times, more last-minute confirmations and a higher volume of inquiries, but slow decision-making.”
“With travel compressed into a narrow window, flights, road, trains and other modes of transport are under pressure. This directly affects the hotel industry. Even when room demand is strong, accessibility becomes a limiting factor,” he said.
In response, hotels are adopting flexible booking policies, strengthening communication with guests, as well as tour and travel partners, to accommodate the shifting travel patterns.
Dr Sam Ikwaye, an official of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), said April remains a peak period for hotels and that the hospitality industry expects a strong performance.
According to Dr Ikwaye, many establishments in the Coast are recording an average of 70 per cent occupancy.
Though this is a strong performance as the high season is just beginning, a majority of hotels are usually full during the Easter weekend.
“We have not experienced direct effects of the conflicts around the globe on our numbers compared to last year. The Coast remains a family destination and school closures give many households the chance to travel,” he said.
The expert, who is also a hospitality lecturer, said hotels and attractions have developed elaborate and enticing packages tailored for families.
Travellers at the Mombasa Madaraka Express train station. Hotels in the Coast are recording increased bookings as local tourists flock to the region ahead of the Easter holidays.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) is cautiously optimistic, projecting occupancy rates to surpass those recorded in previous years later in the holiday season.
KCTA Coast Chairman, Victor Shitakha, said while Easter is expected to drive the number of visitors to the region up, the season has generally been slow, prompting hotels to intensify marketing efforts.
“We are in a low season, but with schools closed, Easter will boost the numbers. Hotels are aggressively advertising special offers to attract more clients,” he said.
Other stakeholders in hospitality said this alignment presents a rare opportunity to maximise bookings as families take advantage of the extended break to travel.
Many hotels in the Coast have responded by rolling out tailored packages, including discounted family deals, all-inclusive offers and curated Easter-themed experiences such as beachside egg hunts, live entertainment and cultural excursions.
These offerings are designed to enhance the guest experience while encouraging longer stays.
Tourists enjoy swimming at then newly refurbished Bamburi Beach Hotel in Mombasa on December 9, 2025. Mombasa Hoteliers are of high expectations on rising numbers of tourists within the Coast Region.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation
“This rare overlap has created a longer peak period, greatly boosting interest in coastal destinations.”
He said the timing has translated into increased inquiries and early bookings from families planning getaways.
From an operational perspective, he noted encouraging occupancy trends, with many rooms reserved.
Mr Otieno added that overall performance would depend on maintaining competitive pricing, delivering high-quality service and adapting to evolving customer expectations, while embracing and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
“We are optimistic this Easter will be a boost to the sector and reinforce the position of the Coast as a leading holiday destination,” Mr Otieno said.
As the holiday approaches and children arrive home from school, industry players urge stakeholders across the tourism value chain – including airlines, transport providers and devolved governments – to ensure seamless travel.
In addition, they say improved infrastructure, enhanced security and consistent public services will be critical in sustaining growth beyond the holiday period.
