Hoteliers in fierce competition ahead of August classification

PrideInn Azure GM Kennedy Mwichuli and PrideInn Plaza GM Simon Kiema pose with their Gold Accreditation during the National Tourism Excellence Award Ceremony. March 9, 2025. [File Courtesy]

Hoteliers at the Coast are in a race to spruce up their establishments ahead of the planned classification by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) in August this year.

The rating that ranges from one to five stars ranks the most luxurious hotels that are mostly preferred by top-end tourists. The five-star hotels have specific mandatory amenities.

According to past TRA ratings, there are at least 15 five-star ratings in Kenya. However, most hotels have invested in expansion ahead of the TRA's next classification.

“The competition among hotels to attain better standards is fierce. We ask TRA to classify us next year as we fine-tune everything and eye the 5-star rating,” Jeff Mukolwe said.

Mukolwe, the General Manager of Baobab Beach Resort in Diani, said the competition was evident at the recent National Tourism Excellence Awards. During the inaugural Coast Circuit Awards by TRA, a record 57 establishments attained gold awards out of 400, which had presented themselves for the accreditation. Mukolwe, whose hotel emerged top in the gold category, attributed their sterling performance to teamwork and sound support from hotel directors.

Paul Kurgat, resort manager at the Silver Palm Spa and Resort (Kilifi), said the awards allow hoteliers to meet the minimum requirements for accreditation level.

“We are looking at better results during the classification proper,” said Kurgat.

Sophy Lorna Lungala, General Manager at the Sunrise Resort Apartments and Spa, whose establishment bagged the silver award, said that they were deeply honoured with the award, which fuels their passion to continue serving even better.

Five-star Leopard Beach Hotel, Residence and Spa General Manager, Mr Kioko Musyoki, whose hotel is located in Diani, South Coast, bagged the gold award.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, who was represented by Principal Secretary (Tourism), Mr John Ololtua, and the tourism stakeholders, continues to transform Kenya into a high-value, quality destination of choice.