The Kenyan coastal strip is the engine that drives Kenya's tourism industry. Endowed with a rich history and Swahili culture dating back several centuries back and some of the world's best beaches, as voted for by first-time and repeat guests, the Kenyan coast is a holiday-maker's dream destination. And when you throw in the region's hospitable people and a vibrant night life, you have the recipe for a memorable holiday.

The post city of Mombasa is the largest urban dwelling on the Kenyan coast. It is also the administrative capital of the Coast Province. Mombasa is the major entry point for both local and international holiday-makers from Europe, the Middle East and North America. The city is served by an international airport and a cruise ship terminal at the Kilindini Harbor, just east of the Mombasa Island.

The city boasts of a cacophony of cultures, languages and people from all walks of life many of whom have been charmed by the city's vibrant lifestyle. The city is steeped deep in history and continues to host people of every shades and color since it first played host to the famous Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama. The Mombasa Old Town, that exists alongside the modern city, is a major attraction that exhibits the ancient Arabic architecture and a 15th century Portuguese-built fortress, the Fort Jesus. The Swahili culture is however dominant in the city and elsewhere in the region. Swahili is a unique culture and language that evolved from the interaction of different cultures and peoples ranging from the native Africans. Persian Arabs, European and Indian.

The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers has an extensive membership in the coastal region stretching from the ancient Swahili island of Lamu in the north to the slave-trade center of Shimoni in the south. Membership in the region is classified in three major groups that include: North-Coast region that has membership of hospitality establishments on Mombasa Island and the region immediately north of Mombasa City. The South-Coast region has membership of establishments on the Kenyan south coast that includes the Diani Resort area. The Malindi/Watamu area is representative of hospitality establishments within and around the Malindi/Watamu resort towns.