At least 500 international skydivers are expected to visit the Kenya coast for Diani Beach Festival.

The festival began on December 9 and ends on New Year’s Day.

Diani Beach Festival Director, Sandip Patel, said the skydivers, the majority of them professionals and some world champions, originated from 37 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Poland, the US, Hong Kong, Australia, Denmark, Dubai, South Africa, Spain and Egypt.

“The intention of holding the festival is to showcase Diani holiday destination in a bid to attract tourists from around the world to help revive tourism,” he said.

Other activities that will take place include kite surfing, fly boarding, scuba diving, jet skis, cycling, quad biking, deep sea fishing and yoga.

Music groups such as the popular Sauti Sol, The Beathogs, Tetu Shani, Alisha Popat, Elvis WHO, and Roots Connection are expected to entertain visitors during the festival.

Sandip said: “Some international visitors have already jetted in. The majority of the participants will head to the Maasai Mara National Reserve for game drives.

“Through the festival, we want international water sports and skydiving professionals to have an experience of Diani so that they can share the beauty of the destination with friends when back home,” he said.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast Branch Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye, said the festival would boost tourism in the South Coast.

Baobab Beach Resort General Manager, Silvester Mbandi, said: “Our hotel is enjoying more than 95% occupancy from now up to the New Year’s Day. Our guests will attend the festival to enjoy water sports activities and entertainment.” He said Diani had been voted Africa’s leading beach destination in 2017 by the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year due to its white sand beach, alluring turquoise waters and the lush green surroundings.