Uganda’s Regional Affairs Minister John Mulimba has called for a strong partnership and the formation of better policies between Kenya and Uganda to promote the tourism sector.
Mulimba said the two countries have a lot of potential for tourism opportunities, and can be fully exploited if conducive and favourable policies are in place.
He said the two countries should start working on reducing air travel expenses and increasing transport infrastructure for more connectivity.
"Let's have good policies and legal framework and good air infrastructure that can promote tourism," he said.
Mulimba said at the moment, the high cost of air travel is inhibiting the tourism sector between the two countries from growing.
He said there is a need for the construction of new roads and upgrading airport facilities to facilitate easy movement.
Mulimba said once the transport is made easy and affordable, more people will cross the borders for businesses and tour visits.
The Ugandan minister said the two countries should work on selling their products and increase awareness to attract more tourists.
He said there are diverse tourism opportunities that are unknown in both countries due to little awareness.
Mulimba said the two states should embark on more fun trips and excursions, to explore and showcase various rich cultures and heritage for tourism growth.
He said the planned excursions will enhance the countries' prominent tourist destinations by providing visitors with extraordinary experiences that blend breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage and warm hospitality, as well as exploring the wildlife reserves, and beaches and enjoying interactions with the local communities.
Mulimba spoke on Monday during the opening of the second Uganda-Kenya Tourism Conference in Diani Reef, Kwale county.
The conference brought together over 600 delegates to discuss issues around the practical experience of Uganda-Kenya tourism products, and how they complement each other, the importance of the regional market in tourism development and sustainability, the nexus between destination partnerships and the gains and the role of entertainment and creatives in promoting tourism.
This year's conference was themed Consolidating Networks, Synergies and Diversity to maximise Tourism between Uganda and the Kenya Coastal Region.
Mulimba said the event will not strengthen ties but lay a foundation for future collaborations and beneficial partnerships in the tourism industry, and perpetual bondage in peace and prosperity of the local citizens.
Uganda Tourism Board Deputy CEO, Bradford Ochieng, said the event represents a significant milestone in fostering tourism and cooperation between Kenya and Uganda.
He said such a conference should become an annual gathering, emphasising the importance of building synergies and complementarity based on the diverse tourism products offered by these two regions.
Ochieng said in 2022, Uganda became Kenya's second-largest source market for tourists, with a notable increase in the number of Ugandans visiting Kenya, reaching 150,900 from 10,100 in 2021.
He said Kenya maintained its position as Uganda's leading source market, with 376,294 Kenyan tourists visiting Uganda in 2022, marking a substantial increase from the previous year.
Ochieng said the surge in cross-border tourism was attributed to a variety of factors, including sporting events, festivals, music concerts, and the irresistible allure of coastal scenery, pristine beaches, and educational opportunities.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo urged the stakeholders to take advantage of the conference to improve the tourism sector.
He said the county government has improved infrastructure and empowered key stakeholders to grow the sector.
"We have constructed beach access roads, train beach operators and lifeguards to promote safety and tourism activities," he said.
He said the National government in partnership with the county is committed to upgrading the Ukunda airstrip into an airport to allow more flights and market Diani as a tourist destination.
Kombo said the Kwale government has embarked on identifying and establishing new tourist attraction sites to boost tourism.
He said the county is looking forward to constructing the Kwale Convention Centre known as Kwale Bomas, which will help in hosting various regional and international cultural events as a way of growing the sector.
Coast Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers Chief Executive Sam Ikwaye said the tourism stakeholders should identify their competency, and change the playing fields to favour their goals.
He said the regions must work together and look for mutual benefits.
"As a region, we must try to find out who is ahead of others and see how we can partner not to compete but complement each other," he said.
