Residents of Mombasa are set to benefit from underwater cultural heritage tourism earnings, thanks to new interventions targeting the untapped oceanic economic potential along the coastline.
What is underwater tourism?
Underwater tourism, which encompasses activities like diving, snorkeling, and marine wildlife observation, forms part of the new approach being envisioned by the Mombasa county government to uplift livelihoods.
According to Mombasa county government Tourism CECM Mohamed Osman, the new venture targets to create jobs in tourism-related businesses and attract visitors seeking unique underwater experiences.
Osman said residents and the government can reap millions of dollars from this untapped oceanic potential, while also prioritizing sustainable practices to protect the marine ecosystem. The coastal underwater world is a treasure trove of marine life, coral reefs, and shipwrecks, making it an exciting destination for underwater tourism.
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is one of the most vibrant ecosystems with an array of fish, corals, and other sea creatures.
According to the Mombasa Tourism CECM, benefits will start to be realized when the county hosts the second edition of the East Africa Ocean Festival set to run from October 17 to 19 this year.
He said underwater tourism can generate revenue through diving and snorkelling tours, equipment rentals, accommodation, and other related services, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
On his part, the East Africa Ocean Festival (TEAOF) founder, Hamisi Mwaguya, said underwater cultural heritage from Lunga Lunga to Mozambique is an addition to the festival, hoping to attract another set of tourists who love cultural excursions.
“This is a niche market we are tapping that will include going deep to the sea to view sunken boats and other vessels, just like people pay to go down the ocean where the Titanic ship sank,” Mwaguya added.
Which shipwrecks are on the Kenyan coastline?
Kenya’s coast has 33 documented shipwrecks, with 22 in Mombasa, eight in Malindi, and three in Lamu. The most notable one is the Ngomeni shipwreck, potentially linked to Vasco da Gama’s fleet.
This 16th-century Portuguese vessel sank near Malindi and has been the subject of intense study since its discovery in 2003.
Others are São Jorge, a galleon from Vasco da Gama’s final voyage that sank in 1524 and could be one of the oldest European shipwrecks in the Indian Ocean, providing insights into maritime trade and exploration.
“Mombasa is going for the million dollars in the untapped ocean resources. This festival is a good opportunity to showcase what the county has to offer in the blue economy sector,” Mwaguya said.
How many tourists visited Kenya in 2024?
Previously, Kenyan Bulletin reported that Kenya had achieved a record-breaking number of international arrivals of tourists in 2024.
According to a Ministry of Tourism report, the country had 2.4 million international tourists, surpassing the previous record. The report also revealed that the tourism sector registered a rise in revenue, which was at KSh 377 million.
