Kenya and Uganda have started an intensive marketing strategy to grow cross-border tourism, which remains a promising frontier.
Uganda, through its consulate in Mombasa, has started the campaign with a four-day culinary and cultural festival in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa. The aim is to attract Kenyan and international visitors.
On Wednesday evening, more than 500 local and international tourists graced the inaugural Uganda Festival at Diani Beach Hotel in Kwale.
The Uganda Consul General in Mombasa Ambassador Paul Mukumbya said Kenya and Uganda cross-border tourism has a huge potential.
Last year, Kenya received about 200,000 Ugandan visitors, while at least 500,000 Kenyans crossed the border to Uganda for tourism and business.
“Kenya is the number one source market for visitors to Uganda and for Kenya, Uganda is the number two source market for visitors,” Mukumbya said.
Other events for this year’s Uganda Festival will be held at Ocean Beach in Malindi, Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi and Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
Vipingo will host a cultural night on Friday and the inaugural Uganda-Kilifi Open Golf Tournament on Saturday.
The festival is aimed at exposing the unique Ugandan products to a wider number of corporate Kenyans, youth and other regional and international tourists on the Kenya Coast.
Mukumbya said travelling to Uganda is easier and cheaper for Kenyans.
“Whereas to go anywhere else, you need a visa and maybe an air ticket, for a Kenyan to go to Uganda, you don't need any of those. You don't need a visa. You don't even need a passport. All you need is your national identity card,” Mukumbya said.
He said Kenya and Uganda need to focus on the regional markets to promote growth in the tourism sector in the region.
“That is why we are sensitising more Kenyans and more international visitors to come and sample products in Uganda,” Mukumbya said.
During the Kwale edition, the guests were treated to two-hour cultural dances and entertainment from the Ndere Troupe and Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime.
The guests had an opportunity to sample Uganda’s cuisine.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said they will continue working together with Uganda to improve the tourism products available on the Kenya coast.
He said Kwale has investment opportunities in tourism, real estate, agriculture, livestock and mining.
“We welcome you to these opportunities and feel free to discuss with us your areas of interest,” Kombo said.
He said the Kwale government is cognisant of the importance of culture in inspiring socio-economic development.
Last December, Kwale organised the first Kwale County Cultural Festival, which brought together communities in Kwale to showcase their culture.
“We have deliberately supported various cultural groups to improve on their traditional song and dance performances,” he said.
