Regional low cost carrier, Jambojet, has increased its flight frequency to its various coastal destinations ahead of the festive December season.
Jambojet CEO, Willem Hondius said that: the increase in frequency not only addresses the high demand of domestic tourists traveling to Kenya’s favoured holiday destination in Mombasa, Malindi and Ukunda but to also offer flexibility and flight variety to our customers. We have increased our frequencies to Mombasa from 38 to 49 flights, which translates to 7 frequencies daily, an additional 1,092 seats weekly.
“Most Kenyans are now taking the opportunity to tour major attractions in the country. After a long, busy and mostly cold year in the city, the sunny and soothing white beaches in Kenya’s coast are a favourite destination. As the people’s airline we have to tailor our operations to offer more flexibility and meet the travel needs of our customers,” said Mr. Hondius.
Additionally, Jambojet will boost their daily flights to Malindi and Ukunda to meet the high season demand. Ukunda will see an increase of frequency from 10 to 14 flights weekly translating to 642 additional seats while Malindi will move from 9 to 14 flights weekly creating 780 additional seats.
Since 2014, there has been a significant increase in domestic travel and tourism, according to KNBS data, there were more Kenyans accommodated in hotel rooms than the total number of foreign tourists. Notably, domestic travel spending generated 60.8 per cent of direct travel and tourism contribution to the Gross Domestic Product in 2016 compared with 39.2 per cent for international tourism receipts, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The changing perception of holiday as a ‘luxury’ to the heightened awareness and appreciation for travel as a rejuvenating and educational experience, coupled with more convenient and affordable travel options through improved infrastructure, are amongst the key factors for the rise in domestic tourism in the country.
