Tourism stakeholders in Mombasa have expressed deep concern over a recent news article that could harm the country’s hard-won gains in the cruise tourism sector.
The article, titled “Gang attacks cruise passengers forcing cancellation of visit,” was published earlier this week and has since been picked up by various international media outlets.
Speaking in Mombasa, the stakeholders led by Kenya Coast Tourist Association Chair Victor Shitakha argued that the report contained unverified claims that paint an alarmist picture, potentially deterring future visits by international cruise liners.
“The tourism sector contributes over 10% to our national GDP and supports millions of livelihoods,” said Victor Shitakha.
“Sensational and inaccurate reporting, particularly on matters of security, can have far-reaching consequences on public perception and investor confidence,” he added.
Also at the briefing was Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Nur, who backed the sentiments of the tourism stakeholders adding that the said article was misleading, inaccurate, and a misinformation.
“It is wrong to do economic sabotage on the economy of Mombasa and the Kenyan Economy by giving wrong information and false news by saying 50 gang members attacked visitors in broad daylight,” said CC Nur.
He added that, unlike the reports in the article, one of the tourists’ phones was snatched by a street boy, and the police are carrying out investigations to ensure the phone is recovered.
“A phone being snatched is not a unique incident; this happens in all major cities like Jo’burg and Paris, so I do not know why a phone being stolen was blown out of proportion with reports saying it was a gang of 50,” said CC Nur.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and other partners have been actively promoting Kenya as a safe and vibrant destination. Stakeholders fear that negative publicity—especially if exaggerated—could jeopardize efforts to attract more cruise lines in the future.
“We must distinguish between isolated incidents and general security. Most of our guests leave with positive memories and often return. That is the story that should be told,” the stakeholders lamented.
Kenya has seen a steady resurgence in cruise tourism, with the port city of Mombasa recently receiving multiple cruise ships this season. The visits have been credited with boosting local businesses and promoting Kenya as a leading destination in the region.
“When there is any insecurity, it tarnishes our image as Mombasa or any other tourist destination. We have heard a lot from security apparatus on the measures they have put in place to ensure there is security in the coast region, despite that we have seen pockets of insecurity in the region which is destroying the image of the coast region,” said Sam Ikwaye Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers and Chair Mombasa Tourism Council.
The stakeholders urged the media to partner with the tourism sector to ensure accurate and balanced reporting.
“The media plays a powerful role in shaping global perceptions; we call on editors and journalists to work with us to protect Kenya’s image as a premier travel destination,” they noted.
Despite the recent controversy, the mood among tourism players remains optimistic as the Easter holiday approaches.
“We thank all the cruise lines that visited Mombasa this season. To all our visitors, we hope the magical experiences you enjoyed will bring you back in the future. Mombasa and the Kenyan coast remain safe, welcoming, and open for tourism,” said Shitakha.
Meanwhile, police have set up a permanent police booth at Uhuru Gardens in Mombasa to beef up security in the area.
