Following two highly successful Kenya-Uganda tourism conferences in Mombasa and Diani, the third edition is now set for Kampala, Uganda, this November.
The inaugural Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference took place on November 17, 2022, at the Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa, followed by a second conference from November 13-14, 2023, in Diani, Kwale County.
This year's event will be held at the prestigious Speke Resort and Convention Center in Munyonyo, Kampala, from November 20-21.
On Tuesday, the Ugandan government launched a campaign aiming to attract at least 500 Kenyan tourism stakeholders and investors to this year's conference.
The campaign was officially unveiled by Uganda's Consul General at the Kenyan Coast, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, alongside key tourism stakeholders from both nations in Mombasa.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Mukumbya emphasized Uganda's commitment to strengthening tourism ties with Kenya.
"This year's venue reflects how seriously we in Uganda take the Kenyan market," said Mukumbya.
He urged all tourism stakeholders to register for the event.
He noted that the registration portal had already garnered over 300 registrations, with expectations of reaching the 500-participant limit soon.
The conference aims to build on the successes of previous editions, which have played a crucial role in enhancing cross-border tourism and trade between the two countries.
"In the past, diplomats engaged in political diplomacy. However, we are now focusing on economic and commercial diplomacy, which can only be done physically on the ground," Mukumbya added.
He also highlighted the importance of the Kenyan market for Uganda, noting that Kenya is Uganda's top source market for tourists, while Uganda is Kenya's second-largest tourism source market.
In 2023, over 490,000 Kenyans visited Uganda, while 201,620 Ugandans visited Kenya.
"There is an opportunity to grow these numbers if the two countries work together," Mukumbya said.
Dr Sam Ikwaye, Executive Director of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), stressed the importance of fostering trust and collaboration among tourism stakeholders.
“The confidence levels among stakeholders have risen, enabling Kenyan and Ugandan operators to develop and exchange tourism packages effectively," Ikwaye said.
He added that tourism opens doors for many other economic activities.
"We hope that many more Kenyans, hoteliers, and county governments will support by sending large delegations to Uganda in November to participate in this conference, share knowledge, and exchange experiences. There is so much to learn from each other," said Ikwaye.
Gertrude Shuwe, Tourism County Executive Committee (CEC) member from Taita Taveta, highlighted the unique attractions of Taita Taveta County, encouraging Ugandan tourists to explore the region's hidden treasures, including battlefield tourism sites and the Big Five in Tsavo National Park.
"We have so much more to offer beyond the beaches," Shuwe said
She underscored the potential for cross-border tourism to drive economic growth and job creation.
In addition to tourism promotion, the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa is organizing a trade and investment mission to Uganda early next year.
This initiative aims to attract Kenyan businesspeople and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Uganda, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.
