Holidays to Kenya have been cancelled by the Federation of Tour Operators until at least Monday although flights to Kenya are still operating.
The Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) represents several tour operators selling package holidays to Kenya, including winter sun beach holidays and safari holidays. “Customers due to fly over the coming days should contact their travel agent or tour operator. Alternative holidays for these customers will be offered where available or refunds of moneys paid,” states the FTO on its website.
The FTO says around 500 people due to fly to Kenya on Sunday and Monday have had their holidays cancelled. There could be as many as 7,000 British holidaymakers in Kenya, but several hundred tourists are expected to get flights back to the UK on Monday.
“The FTO will be deciding over the weekend on holiday arrangements for the days after Monday,” said spokesman Graham Lancaster.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) reported that “main tourist areas continue to be unaffected” in Kenya. It also stated: “Transfers to and from airports in Mombasa and Nairobi are secure and traffic is flowing freely”, although it added “Transfers have precautionary police escorts”.
Many holidaymakers in Kenyan beach resorts such as Mombasa, as well as on safari holidays in the country, are reported to be enjoying their holidays blissfully unaware of the troubles elsewhere in Kenya.
“The affected areas are mainly confined to specific urban, low-income, high density housing areas, many of which are in the west of Kenya,” states ABTA. “There is a heavy security presence around the city in Nairobi and all hotels are operating as normal. All roads to major tourist attractions are open and tourist traffic is flowing normally,” it adds.
Airlines flying to Kenya include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways. There have been no reports so far of flight cancellations or delays.
Written by: Nick Purdom