Uganda looks to tap into Kenya’s coastal tourism business

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the Uganda – Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition.

The conference, set for November 20 to 27 both in Mombasa and in Uganda, will run under the theme “Strengthening Networks, Synergies and Diversity to Maximise the Tourism Potential between Uganda and the Kenya Coastal Region”

While briefing the press at the launch of the conference in Kampala on Thursday, 20 October 2022, Hon John Mulimba said, “as a region, we need to promote destination East Africa to the World but most importantly amongst ourselves, to harness the potential of the sector and grow our economies”.

Consul General of Uganda to Mombasa, Amb Paul Mukumbya said both countries can benefit from tourist arrivals to each country.

“We must promote the potential of our two destinations to attract more visitors and investment in the Tourism sector because this sector has linkages with other sectors of the economy,” he said.

The conference will attract key players in the tourism sector from Uganda and the Kenya Coastal region.

Tourism is one of the key sectors in all the economies of the EAC region. The sector contributes an average of 17% to export earnings and its contribution to GDP is substantial, averaging at around 10%.

“We must promote the potential of our two destinations to attract more visitors and investment in the Tourism sector because this sector has linkages with other sectors of the economy,”

Consul General of Uganda to Mombasa, Amb Paul Mukumbya

Intra EAC trade, investment and tourism make enormous contribution to the growth and development of the region.

According to Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, 2020, the market and trade potentials are estimated at US$1.1 billion (coffee), US$1.2 billion (tea) US$2.85 billion (powder milk), among other products.

Kwale and Kilifi Counties are the tourism hubs of the coastal region of Kenya. A number of tourists from Europe, America and beyond visit the beaches and resorts in Kwale and Kilifi annually to enjoy a variety of tourism attractions it offers.

Kwale County is home to beautiful Diani beaches, Marine National Park, Elephant sanctuary, the Dolphins, Wildlife Park, slave caves and sacred forest. Kilifi County possesses some of the best beaches and it is home to Malindi Fort, Watamu Whitesands, coral reefs, dolphins among others.

Trade between Uganda and Kenya is a key factor of growth between the two countries. According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development) report, 2021, Uganda’s export to Kenya in the preceding decade grew by 13.7% to USD 401m in 2020 while Kenya registered increased export at 6.43% to the tune of USD 940m in 2020.