Fervent tourism enthusiasts from Uganda and Kenya have gathered for the second Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in award-winning Diani Beach in Kwale County. The six-day event kicked off today at the breathtaking Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa, featuring a conference from November 13th to 14th, 2023.
Under the theme ‘Consolidating Networks and Diversifying Potential,’ this conference builds on the success of the 2022 convention in Mombasa, emphasizing the need to maximize tourism opportunities between Uganda and the Kenyan Coastal Region.
Leading a delegation of over 200 Ugandan public and private sector representatives to this event are Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, John Mulimba, and Bahinduka Mugarra Martin, the State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
Mulimba emphasized the strategic significance of the conference, citing untapped potential and the role of global exposure facilitated by platforms like the Uganda-Kenya Tourism Conference in driving growth.
Highlighting the unique attractions of both countries, Mulimba stressed the need for increased awareness, calling on tourism stakeholders to promote the diverse offerings in Uganda and Kenya.
“As you are aware, Uganda is endowed with unique safaris, rich cultural and historical heritage, a variety of attractions of flora and fauna, including the mountain gorillas, tree climbing lions and over 1,063 bird species in national parks and protected areas spread across the country,” Mulimba said.
“On the other hand, the Coastal region of Kenya is endowed with several tourism attractions from the historical Fort Jesus, beautiful beaches and resorts, marine parks, wildlife parks, slave caves and sacred forests.”
The State Minister, however, noted that there is still a lack of enough information as far as the tourism products of the two countries are concerned.
“A big section of the population, including tourism stakeholders, is not aware of the rich and diverse products in each other countries, even when the two countries remain each other top tourist source markets,” he said.
Mulimba expressed optimism for a robust tourism sector, aiming to surpass the previous year’s visitor numbers between the two countries. Distinguished attendees included key figures from both Kenya and Uganda, showcasing a united front in fostering cross-border tourism.
The conference’s objectives include assessing progress since 2022, evaluating destination products, enhancing synergies, exploring investment opportunities, facilitating networking, and promoting the Entebbe-Mombasa Uganda Airlines route.
Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Consul General of the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, reflected on the conference’s evolution, revealing that it transformed into an annual affair following a recommendation by the Minister of State during the inaugural conference in 2022.
Mukumbya emphasized the complementary nature of tourism offerings in both countries, acknowledging the unique strengths each brings to the table.
To foster cross-border tourism, Ambassador Mukumbya highlighted previous excursions and familiarization trips, providing firsthand experiences to participants. Excursions along the Kenyan Coast are scheduled from November 15th to 18th, offering the Ugandan delegation opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
The comprehensive understanding of the region’s heritage will continue with a familiarization trip to Uganda from November 22nd to December 3rd, 2023. This reciprocal visit will expose the Kenyan Coastal delegation to Uganda’s cultural, religious, and wildlife offerings.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani reiterated the importance of building synergies based on the different tourism products offered by Uganda and Kenya.
Organized by the Consulate General of Uganda in Mombasa, the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU) spearheads the private sector’s involvement, while the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) lead on behalf of the Ugandan government.
The County Government of Kwale and Destination Diani collaborate to organize and host the event along the Coast.