MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug 3 – Mombasa county’s five star rated beach resort PrideInn Paradise has reopened to domestic tourists for business after a hiatus of four months.
The hotel suspended operations on 30th March 2020 following government’s directives to the public to avoid unnecessary travel and ban on meetings and gatherings as a way of taming the spread of the corona virus. Over this period, the hotel has lost millions of shillings in terms of revenue and profit to Covid -19 pandemic.
“The situation has been difficult for the hospitality and tourism industry and even more severe given that this industry relies on human relationships and social interaction. We are very excited about our reopening and are welcoming guests back in the best and safest manner possible,” said Hasnain Noorani, Managing Director for PrideInn group of Hotels.
Stern safety measures
The beach resort has put all safety measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid -19 in accordance with the set protocols by the ministry of health.
“We put a lot of thought into our safety measures for the reopening,” said Noorani. “We are sure not to take away from the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort’s experience. Our sun, sand, sea and amazing hospitality are all here as we look forward to welcoming everyone.”
The beach resort is ensuring that everything is distanced and disinfected and has minimized the number of people who touch things as possible. All staff have undergone Covid -19 test, wear masks and some with additional plastic visors.
While Checking in, visitors are asked to place their documents on a tray rather than pass them to staff directly. Guests are also given an amenity kit that includes a mask and hand sanitizer.
“At the resort’s large pool, chairs are spaced out according to Ministry of Health social distancing policy. Pool towels are handed out by staff in cloth laundry bags guests are asked to pull them out themselves,” added Noorani
The resort has put in place social distancing measures in all its restaurants and all hotel areas with chairs and tables spaced out.
“It’s mandatory for our guests to use the provided hand sanitizer before getting into the restaurant. Guests who don’t want to get into the restaurant are able to order dishes from their rooms as well. Guests looking for added privacy can arrange a tailor-made beachfront dinner, overseen by a personal chef,” noted Ann Peggy the General Manager.
“PrideInn Hotel Group is ready,” said Victor Shitakha, General manager for PrideInn Flamingo.
“We are thrilled to reopen our doors and safely welcome guests back to experience the forward-thinking design, bespoke service and cultural programming for which our hotels are known. While much of the world has changed, our goal remains the same, to deliver a safe and memorable experiences for our guests and that is what we plan to do.”
Resumption of international flights
Shitakha added that the resumption of international flights from August first is a blessing to the hospitality industry.
“We are hopeful that the reopening of Kenyan skies to local and international flights will be a boost to the industry which was first to be affected by COVID – 19 pandemic,” said Shitakah.
Local travelers itching for a change of scenery amid months of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders brought on by the coronavirus pandemic now have their favorite family resort to come to. PrideInn reopened to domestic visitors this week, after being closed to visitors since March 30th.
“Before guests enter the lobby, they have to get a mandatory temperature check and their luggage sterilized. We have made sure that all our operations are safe for our guests as well as our staff ,” added Noorani.
Noorani admitted that foreign bookings are very slim since the key feeder markets of Europe, Asia and America have been affected by Covid-19 hence the hotel is heavily depending on domestic travelers and local conferences.
“Local visitors who have visited the resort appreciate the strict Covid-19 protocol we are following. The requirements we have in place are good because the people who are coming are people who really want to come to Mombasa,” added Noorani.
The resort boasts 240 guest rooms and suites overlooking stunning Indian Ocean beach view. The resort has modern conference facilities with a capacity of 2500 people
Kenya’s tourism sector, which contributes close to 15% of its GDP according to the World Bank, has been severely impacted.