Nairobi: SBM Bank Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with Serena Hotels to offer exclusive discounts to SBM cardholders, aiming to boost domestic tourism and lifestyle spending. The collaboration was unveiled by SBM Bank Kenya's Director of Consumer Banking, Beth Thuo, at a signing ceremony held at Nairobi Serena Hotel. Thuo emphasized the commitment to enrich the experiences of their clientele through this partnership.
According to Kenya News Agency, the agreement will provide SBM cardholders with a 20 percent discount on all food offers, a 15 percent discount on accommodation at any Serena property in Kenya, and a 10 percent discount on SPA treatments. Thuo highlighted Serena Hotels' reputation for excellence and hospitality as a key factor in setting new benchmarks for service in Kenya's travel industry.
Serena Hotels' Regional Director of Marketing for Africa, Maureen Okore, underscored that the partnership is supported by research from the Tourism Research Institute, which shows a 12 percent increase in domestic bed-nights from 4.6 million in 2020 to 5.2 million in 2024. Okore noted that Serena Hotels operates 22 properties across Africa, including city hotels, a beach resort, and several camps and lodges in Kenya, providing a wide range of options for domestic travelers.
Okore also mentioned the shifting consumer spending trends towards dining, wellness, and self-care, indicating that the SBM-Serena collaboration is timely. She stated that the partnership aims to make African hospitality more accessible while promoting sustainable tourism and regional economic growth.
Antony Chege, General Manager of Nairobi Serena Hotel, expressed that the partnership would enhance the experiences of mutual clients through themed weekends, surprise upgrades, and personalized welcome amenities for SBM clients. Chege encouraged local media to engage with the packages and report on their experiences, reinforcing the shared vision of superior service delivery.