Uganda-Kenya coastal conference to promote regional tourism

East Africa’s tourism sector is preparing for a major reset as Uganda and Kenya gear up to co-host the 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition from 27–28 October 2025 at Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, Kenya.

Held under the theme “Leveraging Youth Innovation and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism,” the conference highlights a growing recognition that the future of regional tourism lies in the hands of young innovators and digital solutions capable of reshaping destinations to be more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive.

The meeting builds on the July 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between the two countries, which set out a framework for joint promotion, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building. The MoU signals a deliberate shift from competition to collaboration in positioning East Africa on the global tourism map.

Speaking at the Kampala launch, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Uganda’s Consul-General in Mombasa, described tourism as a “strategic flagship initiative” for both nations.

“Tourism is one of the strongest bridges connecting Uganda and Kenya. By collaborating on promotion and marketing, we enhance global visibility while reinforcing the social and economic ties of our region. This conference ensures both countries complement, rather than compete, in showcasing their unique attractions,” he said.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Amb. Charles Ssentongo, underlined tourism’s pivotal role in the country’s economic diplomacy and growth agenda. The government is targeting a dramatic rise in tourism revenue—from US$2 billion in FY2022/23 to US$50 billion by FY2039/40—as part of its broader economic transformation strategy.

Tourism flows between the two neighbours already demonstrate strong demand: in 2024, 466,000 Kenyans visited Uganda, while 225,559 Ugandans travelled to Kenya. Improved air connectivity, particularly through expanded Kenya Airways flights, continues to strengthen this exchange, boosting trade, mobility, and cultural ties.

Since 2022, the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa has driven the Uganda-Kenya Coast Partnership, hosting previous editions of the conference in Mombasa (2022), Diani (2023), and Kampala (2024). These gatherings have attracted hundreds of delegates, creating platforms for B2B networking, collaborative marketing, and heightened awareness of Uganda’s wildlife and cultural assets alongside Kenya’s coastal and marine tourism.

Private sector leaders stressed that the future lies with youth and technology. Stephen Asiimwe, CEO of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, noted:

“The youth in tourism are not just beneficiaries; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. Empowering them to reimagine tourism is an investment in sustainability. Technology connects our destinations to global audiences while ensuring inclusivity and resilience.”

Industry players like Uganda Airlines’ Shakira Rahim Lamar and UTB CEO Juliana Kaggwa echoed the importance of collaboration, while Kenyan and Ugandan diplomats emphasized the role of tourism in strengthening regional relations and shared prosperity.

The event will also feature youth innovators who are developing platforms to make East African tourism more accessible across different price points—from modest to luxury.

As Amb. Mukumbya concluded:
“This is more than a conference; it is a mission to position Uganda and Kenya as partners in global tourism. By harnessing youth energy, technology, and regional unity, we can transform tourism into a shared engine of growth and understanding.”

Registration for the conference is now open via www.thetourismconference.org.