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Relaxed border restrictions have been credited for the near double growth in tourism numbers between Kenya and Uganda in the past two years, with two countries implementing joint tourist events to improve integration.
Data from the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) shows over 600 000 tourists from two countries visited different tourist centres, compared with 320 000 in 2022.
Different interventions, among them use of identification cards to cross borders, improved infrastructure and investments on establishments and joint campaigns, have bridged market access challenges, increasing the numbers.
An initiative launched about two years for joint marketing for beach and safari has been yielding fruits to increase the numbers.
The Uganda Consul-General at the Kenyan Coast, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya said increased trips of Uganda Airlines and modern transport sector have led to increased numbers. For instance, in 2023, more than490 000 Kenyans visited Uganda, whereas 201 620 Ugandans visited Kenya.
“Following two highly successful Kenya-Uganda tourism conferences held in the coastal towns of Mombasa and Diani, more citizens in the two countries have increased the urge to visit different tourist attraction centres,” Mr Mukumbya said.
He was speaking during the media launch of the 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in Mombasa.
He said that, with plans to have enhanced tourism promotion such as a trade and investment mission to Uganda in November this year, more tourists are expected to add to the existing numbers.
He said previous campaigns have increased awareness about Uganda and Kenya Coast destinations as well as the products they offer.
Synergies between key tourism players from Uganda and the Kenya Coastal region have been built and enhanced where different tourism stakeholders from both countries are already selling both destinations. -The East African
Online Reporter