The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference 2024 is set to become a pivotal event in strengthening tourism ties between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions. Scheduled to take place annually, this conference, organized by the Consulate General of Uganda in collaboration with tourism stakeholders from both countries, aims to foster networks, synergies, and diversity to unlock the full tourism potential of these complementary destinations.
This year’s conference promises an engaging program that includes excursions along the scenic Kenya Coast and a family trip to Uganda. These activities are designed to showcase the rich tourism offerings of both regions and provide attendees with firsthand experiences of key attractions. The event will also feature business-to-business (B2B) sessions, facilitating direct interactions between tourism professionals from Uganda and the Kenya Coast. This interaction is crucial for forging new partnerships and enhancing collaborative efforts in the tourism sector.
One of the primary goals of the conference is to increase tourist arrivals and investments in both regions. By promoting joint tourism packages and enhancing awareness of the complementary nature of their tourism products, the conference seeks to drive greater traffic and interest. Additionally, one of the anticipated outcomes is a boost in traffic on the Entebbe-Mombasa route operated by Uganda Airlines, which will facilitate easier travel between the two regions and support increased tourism activities.
The conference will also focus on mapping out strategies for joint promotion of trade between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions. By highlighting the unique and complementary aspects of their tourism offerings, the event aims to create a cohesive marketing approach that benefits both destinations. This strategy will not only attract more tourists but also encourage investment in the tourism infrastructure, contributing to the overall growth of the sector.
During a recent media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, Mr. Herbert Kiguuli, Commissioner of Human Resources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Consul General of Uganda to Mombasa, emphasized the importance of the conference in assessing the progress of cooperation between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions since the last two conferences. Their remarks underscored the conference’s role in evaluating achievements and setting new goals for future collaboration.
The conference will provide a platform for B2B networking, allowing key players in the tourism industry to share insights, experiences, and strategies. This exchange of information is vital for understanding market trends and consumer preferences, which can inform the development of more attractive and competitive tourism products. By equipping participants with a deeper knowledge of each destination’s offerings, the conference aims to enhance their ability to promote and sell joint tourism packages effectively.
In addition to the B2B sessions, the conference will feature educational segments where tourism professionals can learn from industry experts and gain valuable knowledge about successful tourism practices. These sessions are designed to help stakeholders from both regions better position themselves in the competitive global tourism market.
The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference 2024 is not just an event but a strategic initiative to build a stronger, more integrated tourism network between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions. By focusing on complementary tourism offerings and fostering collaboration, the conference aims to create a more robust and dynamic tourism sector that benefits both regions. As the event unfolds, it will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of tourism between Uganda and Kenya, paving the way for a new era of growth and cooperation.
