Marine tourism: The top dollar opportunity sailing past Kenya

Picture this: sleek catamarans gliding between Mombasa's historic port and Lamu's UNESCO World Heritage sites offering passengers a scenic alternative to current transportation options.

This isn’t just a dream – it’s a viable business opportunity begging for implementation, according to the maritime and tourism experts calling for the state to market it to the viable investors.

They say that after the indigenous-owned Lamu Shipping Limited (LSL)’s impressive strides in maritime commerce, marine passenger service is an opportunity beckoning investors.

LSL recently acquired and put into service a container vessel christened MV Amu Jameel to serve the East African Coast from its Mombasa Port’s operating hub.

Former Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) Secretary General, Andrew Mwangura, argues that the pristine coastline stretching from Mombasa to the Comoros Islands represents one of the world’s last underdeveloped maritime tourism frontiers, waiting for visionary investors to unlock its potential.

He stated that the East African coastline presents a unique combination of advantages that make marine passenger services particularly attractive.

Mwangura explained that ancient Swahili towns, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life create a tourism corridor unlike any other.

He said serene beaches from Mombasa to Zanzibar and historic alleys from Lamu to the exotic Comoros archipelago offer distinct experiences that could be seamlessly connected through modern marine transport.

“Consider the current tourism landscape; tourists often limit themselves to single destinations, deterred by transport complications between coastal points,” he said.

He said a well-planned catamaran service could also transform this limitation into an opportunity, allowing tourists to experience multiple destinations in comfort and style.

Some of the potential route networks could connect Kenya’s coastal gems before extending to Tanzania’s Pemba, Zanzibar, and ultimately the Comoros Islands.

Current transportation options between these destinations are limited to time-consuming road travel or expensive flights.

Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC) chairman, Dr Sam Ikwaye, while applauding investors’ efforts to delve into maritime transport within the Indian Ocean that borders the nation, said that water transport is one product that has not been fully explored and exploited in and around Mombasa City.

“Unlike Lamu and Zanzibar, excellent experiences are waiting for investors to harness the huge potential of Mombasa’s tourism outlook,’’ Ikwaye said.

He went on to add that there is a need for leadership to develop a strategy and policy to attract investors with competitive offers to invest.

“This will also ease the challenge of huge traffic jams being experienced on the island of Mombasa,’’ he said, adding that maritime alternatives would offer several advantages.

First, modern catamarans provide a comfortable, scenic journey that becomes part of the tourism experience rather than merely transportation.

"Imagine tourists watching dolphins play in the bow wave while enjoying refreshments on deck – the journey becomes as memorable as the destination. Second, the ability to serve multiple coastal points creates opportunities for flexible tour packages, allowing visitors to explore the coast at their own pace through hop-on-hop-off services.

Third, these services would benefit both international tourists and local residents, ensuring year-round demand beyond peak tourism seasons,’’ said Mwangura.

The timing for such an investment couldn’t be better. Governments along the East African coast are increasingly recognising the importance of maritime infrastructure development.

Kenya’s commitment to maritime sector growth, demonstrated through various policy initiatives, suggests a receptive environment for marine tourism investments.

To accelerate this development, experts are calling on the governments to consider implementing specific tax holidays for marine passenger service operators, particularly during the initial years of operation when routes are being established and market demand is building.

They also call on the creation of streamlined licensing processes for coastal passenger services, reducing bureaucratic hurdles that might deter investors, as well as developing dedicated marine passenger terminals at key ports, ensuring comfortable embarking and disembarking facilities for tourists.

“Establishing clear customs and immigration protocols for marine passengers and facilitating smooth movement between countries should also be a priority,” Mwangura said.

He said LSL's entry into cargo services demonstrates the viability of maritime ventures in the region and called for the same entrepreneurial spirit applied to passenger services that could revolutionise coastal tourism.

He said that for potential investors, the opportunity extends beyond immediate tourism revenue. Property development at key stops, marine-based activities, and support services all present additional revenue streams.

The first movers in this space will have the advantage of establishing brand recognition and securing prime operational locations.

Environmental considerations actually strengthen the business case.

Modern catamarans, particularly those utilising hybrid or electric propulsion, offer an eco-friendly alternative to current transportation options. This aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences and could attract environmentally conscious travellers.

He said that the model has proven successful in other parts of the world, with the Greek Islands, Caribbean, and Maldives all demonstrating how integrated marine passenger services can enhance tourism experiences and generate substantial returns for investors.

East Africa’s coastal tourism potential remains largely untapped, not because of a lack of attractions, but because of limited connectivity.

The success of ventures like Lamu Shipping Limited shows that maritime investments in the region can thrive with the right approach and commitment.

Mwangura observes that the opportunity to pioneer this transformation of East African coastal tourism won’t last forever.

As Lamu Shipping Limited has shown in the cargo sector, first movers who execute well can establish strong market positions. The time to act is now.

“The next success story in the East African maritime business is waiting to be written. Who will step forward to write it?” he poses.