Kenyan hotels still empty despite reopening economy

Hotels recorded an average 26 percent occupancy in the December holiday and festive season despite an almost full reopening of the economy, indicating a slow recovery for the hospitality industry.
A survey of hotels by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) conducted before the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on Wednesday showed the facilities’ occupancy rate improved slightly from an average of 23 percent in November.
Most hoteliers were targeting demand in the holiday period for recovery.
The survey conducted between January 13 and 15, showed continued recovery from the disruptions in April and May,” CBK said in a statement.
“In particular, 97 percent of the respondent hotels are now open, compared to 96 percent in November 2020 and 35 percent in April, with continued re-engagement of employees particularly during the festive season in December. Average bed occupancy was reported at 26 percent in December 2020, compared to 11 percent in April.”
The hotel industry was hit hard from the second quarter of last year on reduced demand following interruptions in business, travel and pressure on personal incomes due to reduced business activity as the Covid-19 pandemic raged on.
This was also attributable to halt of conferencing facilities and reduced bookings over the restrictive measures imposed by the government in April and cancellation of flights globally.
As a result, there was a subsequent drop in bed occupancy, recorded at 11 percent in April and 10 percent in May.
In December, hoteliers were optimistic on increased bookings following the resumption of international travel and pick up of economic activity.