Nairobi — The tourism season has started on a high note with increased activity reported at Moi International Airport in Mombasa and at Malindi airport.

Several airlines resumed flights through Mombasa on Tuesday, Moi International Airport manager Yatich Kangugo said.

He said a maiden flight by Africa Express plying the Nairobi-Mombasa and Oman route, would open up the emerging Middle East market.

Cosair from Milan, Condor of Germany, the UK's Monarch Air and Zanzibar's Zanair have resumed flights to Mombasa."We are seeing growth despite the global economic crunch. More charter flights are expected beginning from next week," Mr Kangugo said.

Neos and Air Italy flew in an unknown number of tourists through Zanzibar and Moi International Airport, according to the Italian consular in Malindi, Mr Roberto Macri.

Mr Macri said another charter flight, Euroflying, will start flying to Kenya on July 21.

The three charter flights will be bringing guests to Kenya weekly through Zanzibar.

Swine flu reports

Mr Macri, however, said the season would not be as good as expected because there was some apprehension among tourists.

He said swine flu reports, added to those of cholera in the country, had caused some jitters in Europe.

"Although the swine flu and cholera reports in Kenya have not had very bad effects in the industry, there is some uncertainty and anxiety in Italy," he said, in an interview in Malindi on Tuesday.