Kenya finds new market in Indian weddings

 

Kenya may be famous for beach and safari but the newly re-built Amani Tiwi Beach has taken its first booking for an Indian wedding. 

 

Severely damaged by a roof fire nearly two years ago, the Amani Group has taken advantage of the re-build to completely re-position the hotel on sustainable tourism principles.

 

The re-build involves local craftesmen using natural materials which reflect the shore-side environment whilst appealing to the needs of guests in 2011.

 

The new roof, though looking like the local makuti style, is the latest in fire proofed aluminium from New Zealand. 

 

The resort is due to re-open on December 1 on the popular south coast.

 

Head of sales and marketing Indish Hayer, speaking at ITB in Berlin, said the resort reacted to suggestions made when former and prospective guests were asked to contact the website www.kenyaluxuryhotel.com with what they wanted from a new hotel.

 

The list was long but the number one request was for care of  the environment.

 

The result is a solar power system meeting more than half of the hotels' needs, an organic garden with an irrigation system that works even in the dry season, better facilities for children and a library.

 

Water sports are on offer but powered by the the wind with not a jet ski in sight.

 

With 216 rooms - four of which are equipped for guests with disabilities - the resort has already attracted bookings from guests wanting something different.

 

Swahili weddings are on the menu but that's not unusual for an hotel which has already arranged for under sea nuptuals.

 

The Indian wedding for three hundred guests was no challenge but then, although the guests are in Kenya, they want a Moroccan theme. The hotel has already booked the camels.

 

by John Bell