Hotels and other accommodation facilities in Lamu are gearing up for roaring business as thousands of local and international participants flock into the iconic island for the 18th edition of Lamu Cultural Festival, which began yesterday.
Local, regional and international tourists have made bookings for the four-day event whose curtains close on Sunday, 25th November 2018, with over 50,000 participants expected to attend the festival.
The Government has invested heavily in enhancing security in Lamu and the surrounding region as part of preparations for the annual event.
Lamu Old Town has a unique cultural heritage passed down for over 700 years; an attribute that earned Lamu Island a place in the coveted UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2001.
According to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Radier, the event continues to attract growing numbers of local and international tourists every year.
“Under the theme “Tembea Lamu”, the event will showcase the diverse and distinct Lamu culture with dances, poetry, henna painting, displays of handicraft and unique competitions such as dhow and donkey races to spice up the festival. We expect higher participation this year owing to enhanced marketing of the event.”, assured the CEO.
She observed that the festival will also be used to affirm Kenya’s continued commitment as a destination towards the diversification of its tourist offering to complement the traditional safari and beach attractions.
“Lamu Cultural Festival is among the key events that KTB is supporting in line with the tourism product diversification strategy agenda to showcase Kenya’s rich cultural diversity.” said the KTB CEO. Most visitors to Lamu Island fall in love with its relaxed and peaceful lifestyle.
Visitors during the Lamu Cultural Festival will have a chance to experience life in Lamu at its most exuberant and joyous. As the Lamu locals say in Kiswahili, “Lamu Tamu” (meaning Lamu is Sweet).
