Shadrack Nyakoe
Kenya’s tourism sector received a boost as the Viking Sky cruise ship docked at the Port of Mombasa for a three-day visit, carrying 845 passengers and 4\69 crew members from across the world.
Speaking during the official welcoming ceremony, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano extended a warm reception to the visitors, emphasizing Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings.
“In this part of the world, we say ‘Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone,’ which means visitors bring a sense of goodwill to their hosts. Feel most welcome!” Miano said.
The Viking Sky, flying the Norwegian flag, follows closely on the heels of another Norwegian cruise ship, the Norwegian Dawn, which docked in Mombasa just a month ago. Miano noted that the presence of these vessels underscores Kenya’s growing appeal as a cruise tourism destination.
She highlighted the impressive diversity aboard the Viking Sky, with passengers from 14 international jurisdictions and a crew representing 40 nationalities, including 19 Kenyans.
“To me, as the Minister in charge of tourism, I see in you tourism ambassadors from 54 countries around the world,” she remarked.
Encouraging Kenyan crewmembers working in the cruise ship industry, Miano urged them to promote Kenya’s tourism potential to travelers they interact with.
“By sharing the marvels of our motherland, you can inspire more tourists to visit, helping boost our arrival numbers and strengthen our economy,” she added.
As the visitors embark on their excursions, Miano expressed hope that they would carry fond memories of Kenya back home and spread the word about the country’s beauty.
“While you explore Kenya’s diverse attractions, I hope you will enjoy your stay and share your experiences with friends and family. Kenya is a destination worth including in every traveler’s holiday circuit,” she concluded.
With the increasing number of cruise ships docking in Mombasa, Kenya continues to position itself as a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.
