The Kenyan tourisn industry is beginning to feel the impact of covid-19 pandemic.
In a letter dated 6th May 2020, the management said they are unable to continue running the Taita Game Ldoege and Sarova Salt Lick lodges.
“After 13 years of operating Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge and Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge both located within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, we announce that effective 1 July 2020 Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya will cease management of them. As such from that date, they will no longer be operated under the Sarova Hotels portfolio”, the letter signed by Jimi Kariuki, the Sarova Hotels and Resorts Managing Director stated in part.
In March, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said that Kenya has set aside Sh500 million to help tourism sector recover from the impact of novel coronavirus, Covid-19.
In April, during a Tourism and wildlife stakeholders’ webinar, CS Balala laid out the ground for the sector’s recovery.
“The international market will take a while to recover and we should, therefore, bank on the domestic and regional travellers. However, affordability and accessibility will play a vital role in this”, he noted.
His sentiments were supported by Damian Cook, Founder & CEO E-Tourism Frontiers, and a leading international tourism consultant:
“We need to take stock of Kenyan products, see what is going to work during recovery and capitalize on them”, he said.
The webinar, under the banner ‘Leap Forward’, brought together over 500 stakeholders to listen and interact with 6 local and international tourism experts who made compelling presentations on the way forward for Kenyan tourism.
Sarova’s statement
RE: SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE I SAROVA SALT LICK GAME LODGE
In this time of great challenge and uncertainty that our Country and the World at large is facing, we trust that you and your loved ones are safe and are managing to cope as best you can under these trying circumstances.
After 13 years of operating Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge and Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge both located within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, we announce that effective 1 July 2020 Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya will cease management of them. As such from that date, they will no longer be operated under the Sarova Hotels portfolio.
We would like to assure you that all contractual obligations and commitments made by Sarova Hotels in relation to these 2 lodges up to 30 June 2020 will be fully honoured, and we will ensure a seamless transition between ourselves and the owner of the two lodges.
We take this opportunity to appreciate and thank you for the support that you have given to Sarova Hotels over the years. We look forward to continuing with the partnership for the years to come.
Yours Sincerely
Jimi Kariuki Managing Director
Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya
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