A delegation of over 100 Ugandan tourism stakeholders arrived in Mombasa this week, marking the beginning of a significant collaboration aimed at boosting the tourism industries of both Kenya and Uganda. The group, which includes tour operators, hotel owners, and other key figures in the tourism sector, will spend a week exploring the rich offerings of Kenya’s coastal region.
Upon arrival at Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Wednesday, Mombasa Tourism Council Chairman Sam Ikwaye shared the purpose of their visit: “We are here to showcase to our brothers and sisters what the Kenyan Coast has to offer.” The Ugandan visitors will be touring various key attraction sites in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties, as well as experiencing the vibrant local culture and cuisine.
The visit is part of a broader effort between the two East African nations to position their tourism sectors as complementary and mutually beneficial. The idea is to market both countries as a single, unified travel destination, where visitors can enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences of both Kenya and Uganda in one trip. This initiative follows a similar trip last week when over 70 Kenyan tourism stakeholders visited Uganda to explore the tourism products there and foster closer ties.
“This is a continuation of the Kenya-Uganda conference hosted in Uganda last week. We are here to continue the cooperation and complementarity,” Ikwaye noted. Uganda’s Hotel Owners Association CEO, Jean Byamugisha, emphasized that the collaboration will not only boost tourism but also create job opportunities for young people and increase foreign exchange earnings for both countries.
The partnership between Kenya and Uganda is centered on promoting the shared tourism potential of the East African region. Byamugisha highlighted that Kenya is Uganda’s biggest source market for tourism, making it vital to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. “We coined the phrase ‘From the Bush to the Beach,’” she said, referring to the idea of a seamless tourist experience where visitors can explore Uganda’s famous gorilla trekking in the jungles and then unwind on the beaches of Mombasa.
Byamugisha, who was particularly proud to travel to Mombasa using her national ID instead of a passport, underscored the ease of travel within East Africa. She sees this as a testament to the growing integration of the region, which will further facilitate tourism exchanges.
While tourism remains the primary focus of the visit, there are also opportunities for business leaders to engage with one another. Ikwaye mentioned that Ugandan businessmen would connect with their Kenyan counterparts to establish new networks and explore ways to expand their operations across borders. Furthermore, the Kenya Tourism Board and local county governments are involved in discussions to craft new travel packages that enhance cooperation between the two countries.
The Mombasa Tourism Council views the visit as a key opportunity to diversify the tourism offerings on the Kenyan Coast. “We are looking at how to grow regional and domestic business,” Ikwaye explained, noting that the partnership with Uganda aligns with their strategy to offer fresh, exciting experiences for both international and regional tourists. This collaboration, which blends cultural exchange with strategic business development, is set to usher in a new era of tourism in East Africa.
As Kenya and Uganda continue to strengthen their ties, both countries stand to benefit from increased visitor numbers and a more robust, sustainable tourism industry that supports local communities and fosters economic growth. The growing cooperation between the nations highlights the potential for East Africa to become a leading tourism hub globally.
