PrideInn Hotels, Resorts and Camps & Nairobi properties experienced a surge in business visitors during the first quarter of 2023, surpassing the number of holiday visitors.
The group reported that PrideInn Azure and PrideInn Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre welcomed many business executives attending meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) events, reflecting the continued recovery of the business environment in Kenya.
According to the group, business visitors staying in the hotels accounted for 60% of the guests, compared to 40% of holiday visitors.
The majority of visitors to the hotels were domestic, a trend that highlights the resilience of the local market. This was despite the challenges facing the Kenyan economy, including inflationary pressure, the elevated cost of doing business, and the shilling's depreciation.
PrideInn attributed the rise in business visitors to its city properties to an increase in business activities in Nairobi amid the ongoing recovery of the economy. The increase was also on account of rising positive sentiments of Nairobi as a business hub and as a host of MICE events.
Targeting international visitors The occupancy patterns at PrideInn Azure and PrideInn Plaza Hotel and Convention Centre have prompted the group to undertake aggressive marketing efforts internationally to position its hotels as the preferred destination for business travelers.
The company's management said they are working closely with the government and other stakeholders to promote Kenya's MICE segment. The group also participates in international events that showcase the country's potential as a business destination. In March, for instance, PrideInn participated in the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) held in Berlin, Germany.
The company also participated in the just concluded World Travel Market Africa trade show held in Cape
Town, South Africa. We are delighted to see our properties being recognized as the ideal venues for
business events in Nairobi. We have worked hard to create an environment that caters to the needs of the modern business traveler, and we are pleased to see that our efforts are paying off,” PrideInn Hotels, Resorts and Camps Group Managing Director Hasnain Noorani said.
Noorani added that the company is confident that it can attract more international visitors to the country and help position Kenya as a leading destination for business events.
Commenting on the same, the Group Director of Operations and Business Development Jackton Amutala said Kenya has the capacity to hold international conferences and exhibitions.
As we continue to invest in our properties and enhance our services, we are confident that we will attract more visitors worldwide. PrideInn Group is committed to providing our guests with the best possible experience," he said.
The two spoke on the sidelines of the Nairobi chapter of the Skal International dinner gala held at PrideInn Azure in Westlands on Friday, April 14, 2023. The gala brought together tourism stakeholders from Nairobi, including hoteliers and tour agents, among others.
According to organizers, the event gave stakeholders an opportunity to network, exchange business ideas, and deliberate on issues affecting the sector. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza was the guest of honor.