Swiss Tourism Pioneer Franco Rosso Leaves Behind A Legacy.
Malindi tourism pioneer and founder of Franco Rosso International, Franco Rosso, passed away on Monday, 27th March 2023 at the age of 94 in Lugano, Switzerland. Rosso was one of Italy’s leading tour operators, and he launched Kenya on the Italian market 50 years ago with the first charter flight from Italy to Nairobi.
Rosso first visited Kenya in 1967 with his late wife, Amalia, for a month-long vacation in East Africa. They decided to invest in Malindi and opened their first hotel, Tropical Village, on Casuarina beach. This was followed by Diamonds Dream of Africa and the adjacent Coconut and Malindi Beach Hotel. In 2018, Rosso opened his fourth property, Sandies Malindi Dream Garden.
Today, Diamond Dream of Africa is Africa’s leading all-inclusive resort, having won the World Travel Awards in 2021 and 2022 and Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel in 2012. Rosso is survived by his three children, Sara, Paolo, and Alessandro.
The funeral ceremony was held on Thursday, 30th March 2023, at the Tempio Crematorio di Lugano, Via Trevano, at 14:00, followed by the wake at The View Lugano, Via Guidino 29, at 15:00. In Kenya, the memorial service was held at Sandies Tropical Village, Casuarina Road, Malindi, at 15:00 on Thursday, 30th March.
Franco Rosso’s contribution to the tourism industry in Kenya and his pioneering efforts to bring Italian tourists to the country will always be remembered. May he rest in peace.
Franco Rosso International is one of Italy’s leading tour operators, founded by the late Franco Rosso in 1970. For over 50 years, the company has been providing high-quality travel services to clients around the world, with a focus on East Africa. Franco Rosso International operates several properties in Kenya, including Diamond Dream of Africa, Sandies Malindi Dream Garden, Coconut and Malindi Beach Hotel, and Tropical Village. The company is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities in the destinations it operates.
Voice of Hospitality
