UGANDA – In a move set to enhance regional tourism, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has announced the country will host the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference on November 20-21 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The Uganda-Kenya Coastal Partnership conference, set under the theme, “Promoting Job Creation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability,” marks a significant step in strengthening tourism relations between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal regions.
The conference, with over 500 tourism professionals expected to attend, will foster deeper collaboration and the joint promotion of regional tourism.
Kenya is Uganda’s largest source of tourists according to the board. This event provides an opportunity for Kenyan stakeholders to further expand the mutually beneficial relationships between the two countries.
The conference also shines a spotlight on Uganda Airlines’ newly launched Entebbe-Mombasa route, which provides a convenient alternative to the Kenya Airways’ Nairobi connection, improving travel accessibility between the two nations.
Prior to the event, 70 Kenyan tourism professionals will embark on a familiarization tour across Uganda’s key sites, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Source of the Nile.
Furthermore, a golf tournament held on November 9 will help strengthen ties and foster camaraderie between the two nations.
In addition to the conference, Uganda’s tourism sector is undergoing significant development this year.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has introduced new policies aimed at diversifying the country’s offerings. These initiatives include a focus on gastronomic tourism, with Uganda looking to promote its local food culture and traditional dishes through immersive farm-to-table experiences.
The UTB is also investing in its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, with new hotel constructions by global chains like Hilton and Marriott to cater to business travelers.
Additionally, Uganda is making strides to enhance wildlife tourism accessibility. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) recently launched a free entry initiative for four major national parks, including Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls, aimed at boosting both domestic and international tourism.
This initiative provides free access to Uganda’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rare bird species, allowing more people to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness the country has to offer.
These ongoing efforts reflect Uganda’s ambitious vision to be a top global tourism destination, combining business, adventure, and cultural experiences in one unique offering.
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