The Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, key tourism agencies, and the private sector, jointly organized the 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Themed “Promoting Job Creation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability,” the conference has seen an overwhelming turnout compared to the previous two editions.
Ahead of the two-day conference, delegates from Kenya participated in several activities, including a golf tournament between the two countries, familiarization trips to various parks, gorilla and chimp trekking, the Ankole Longhorns experience, and visits to several lodges. These interactions allowed them to gather first-hand information from management and tour operators.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Doreen S. Katusiime highlighted that the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference has grown into a significant partnership, benefiting both nations. She emphasized its role as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation, given the rich cultural and economic ties between Uganda and Kenya.
“As we come together to discuss this year’s theme, ‘Addressing Bottlenecks to Promoting Regional Tourism,’ it is crucial to recognize the immense potential that exists when we collaborate. We do not compete with each other; rather, we complement one another,” she noted.
“Both Uganda and Kenya boast world-renowned attractions, but our true strength lies in creating seamless cross-border experiences for our visitors. By addressing the barriers that hinder regional tourism, we can unlock vast opportunities for growth and development, enhancing our competitiveness in the global tourism market,” she added.
Mrs. Katusiime further underscored the importance of tourism as a driver for economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange. “Our efforts here today will shape the future of tourism in the region. Identifying and overcoming the barriers to regional tourism is critical for both Uganda and Kenya as these challenges currently limit the sector’s full potential,” she concluded.
