Regional low-cost carrier Jambojet has commenced operations to Lamu, becoming its fourth Coastal destination after Mombasa, Malindi, and Ukunda.
The airline will fly from Nairobi to Lamu via Mombasa four times weekly with an introductory fare of KES. 7100 one way from Nairobi to Lamu. Mombasa to Lamu will start at KES. 4600 one way.
“Lamu County is undeniably one of Kenya’s top tourist destinations both for local and international travelers. With the ongoing LAPSSET project, we expect increased traffic into Lamu from tourists and potential investors. We want to ease their movement with the introduction of this route,” said Karanja Ndegwa, CEO & Managing Director, Jambojet.
Last week, the airline also commenced operations in Goma, DRC.
At the same time, Jambojet together with the Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife unveiled a new aircraft livery wrap. The branding, which will run for a period of one year, aims at promoting the conversation around the conservation of the endangered sea turtle, and the dugong, a rare sea mammal.
Lamu coal power plant to commence construction in September this year.
“This journey will enable us to build a brand association between Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Jambojet and thus increase the destination’s appeal to more consumers in the domestic and regional markets. The Aircraft that we shall be unveiling today will showcase Magical Kenya to all the seven local destinations that the aircraft shall be flying,” said Betty Radier, CEO KTB.
A recent report by Oxford Economics and global Travel shows that domestic and regional travel will dominate the tourism industry in 2021 compared to international tourism. Many destinations are expected to maintain their international travel restrictions for a large part of the year and affordability and safety concerns are also expected to encourage closer-to-home travel.
Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Najib Balala noted Jambojet’s contribution to promoting local and regional tourism. “I must also take this opportunity to say that Jambojet has been resourceful in the recovery journey through the provision of products and services that have made both domestic and regional travel more attractive,” he said.
The Director-General at Kenya Wildlife Service, Brig. John Waweru further acknowledged the Jambojet partnership in the #NowTravelReady campaign stating, “we are cognizant that the domestic Jambojet routes have key and unique KWS parks & reserves such as Lamu County that host the remarkable Kiunga Marine National Reserve. We have developed signature experiences across the KWS parks in all the Jambojet destinations to enhance the tourism product, open up the lesser-visited destinations and add value to Jambojet passengers.”
Jambojet, together with the County Government of Lamu, KWS, Lamu Tourism Association, and various stakeholders will embark on a 4-day discovery tour of Lamu County with the aim of showcasing the new normal of travel while encouraging people to travel.