Bernard Itebete, corporate sales manager, Sarova Hotels, which is represented in South Africa and Europe by Southern Spoor Marketing, says there has been a significant increase in beach tourism in the country, due in large part to growth in the domestic market.

“International travellers also include visiting beaches in their itinerary, with many hotels located along beaches, giving tourists easy access to their desired location,” he added.

Construction is under way on a new highway that will link the airport with the southern region, bypassing Mombasa Island altogether. This is expected to save tourists the hassle of the overcrowded and unreliable ferry.