The 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is set to take place on November 20-21, 2024, at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Uganda. Themed “The Uganda-Kenya Coast Partnership: Promoting Job Creation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability,” this landmark event aims to enhance tourism ties between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions. It marks the first time Uganda is hosting this annual conference, previously held in Kenya’s Mombasa and Diani regions.
With over 500 tourism professionals expected to attend, the conference seeks to foster collaboration in promoting regional tourism. It provides a platform for Kenyan tourism agents, traditionally focused on Rwanda for attractions like gorilla trekking, to explore Uganda’s offerings.
Key Highlights of the Conference
- Familiarization Tours: Ahead of the conference, Kenyan stakeholders participated in a week-long tour of Uganda’s key tourist destinations. This immersive experience included visits to Jinja, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, showcasing Uganda’s diverse offerings beyond its renowned gorilla trekking safaris.
- Accessibility Focus: A notable highlight is the promotion of Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe-Mombasa route. This direct connection offers a convenient alternative to Kenya Airways’ routes and aims to facilitate increased travel between the two nations.
- Networking and Activities: In addition to panel discussions, participants enjoyed a pre-event golf tournament that fostered camaraderie and connections among attendees. This was a strategic initiative to build rapport before diving into the conference’s in-depth discussions.
Goals and Regional Impact
The event aims to address long-standing challenges in regional tourism, including the need for cohesive marketing strategies and increased cross-border collaborations. With Kenya historically serving as Uganda’s largest source of tourists, the conference provides an opportunity to create synergies that benefit both countries. Additionally, it highlights Uganda’s potential as a complementary destination for travelers visiting Kenya’s renowned coastal regions like Mombasa and Malindi.
By promoting job creation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the conference also seeks to align with global tourism trends that prioritize eco-tourism and community-driven initiatives. The tourism ministers from both nations will engage with stakeholders to outline joint strategies for marketing, infrastructure improvement, and policy alignment.
The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is not just an event but a movement toward redefining regional tourism in East Africa. It serves as a testament to Uganda and Kenya’s shared vision of a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry. As the two nations leverage their unique offerings, travelers can look forward to enriched experiences and seamless travel within the region
