The tourism landscape between Kenya and Uganda is experiencing a notable shift, as evidenced by the significant increase in the number of Kenyan tourists visiting Uganda. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of Kenyans who traveled to Uganda in the year ending December 2023 surged to an impressive 490,000. This marks a remarkable rise of 113,706 visitors compared to the 376,294 recorded in 2022.
During the launch of the third Uganda-Kenya Coastal Tourism Conference in Kampala, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, highlighted that Kenya remains the largest source market for tourists visiting Uganda. This growing trend is largely attributed to the variety of events hosted in Uganda, including golf and rugby tournaments, festivals, and music concerts, which have captivated the interest of Kenyan travelers.
Mutual Growth in Tourism Exchange
On the flip side, Ugandan tourism to Kenya has also seen an upward trajectory. The number of Ugandans visiting Kenya rose from 150,000 in 2022 to 201,620 in 2023, representing 10% of all tourist arrivals in Kenya. This makes Uganda the second-largest source market for Kenyan tourism, following the United States.
For Ugandans, the allure of the Kenyan coast, with its pristine beaches, stunning coastal scenery, and unique cultural features, is a significant draw. Additionally, many Ugandans travel to Kenya for meetings, educational purposes, and increasingly, for destination weddings and honeymoons at luxurious coastal hotels.
Strengthening Uganda-Kenya Tourism Relations
Ambassador Mukumbya emphasized the importance of the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, now in its third edition, in showcasing the untapped tourism opportunities between the two regions. The partnership is built on the premise that Uganda and the Kenyan coast offer complementary tourism experiences. While Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, cultural and religious sites, and vibrant Kampala nightlife, the Kenyan coast is famed for its beautiful beaches, marine tourism, and historical landmarks. This collaboration allows both countries to enhance their tourism offerings without directly competing.
Experience from recent excursions revealed that many Ugandan tourists were unfamiliar with the diverse attractions of the Kenyan coast, and similarly, Kenyan tourists were often unaware of Uganda’s rich tourism potential. The third conference aims to build on previous successes, fostering greater awareness among tourism stakeholders, including tour operators and agents, who can then promote these destinations with first-hand knowledge.
Kilifi’s Growing Appeal to Ugandan Tourists
Clara Ningome Chonga, the Tourism Minister for Kilifi County, reported that the previous two conferences have already resulted in a noticeable increase in Ugandan tourists visiting the Kenyan coast. Kilifi tour operators have successfully incorporated Ugandan attractions into their tour packages, leading to increased business and stronger ties between the two nations.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism and Economic Growth
Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, Chairperson of the Uganda Tourism Board, expressed that the Uganda-Kenya Coastal Tourism Conference is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the vibrant cultures and diverse offerings of the region. She emphasized that this collaboration is not only about boosting tourist numbers but also about creating jobs, fostering inclusivity, and driving economic growth in both countries. By promoting joint tourism products, Uganda and Kenya can unlock new opportunities while ensuring sustainable tourism practices that preserve the natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Looking Ahead: The 2024 Uganda-Kenya Coastal Tourism Conference
The third Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 21 at the Speke Convention Centre in Munyonyo, followed by a familiarization trip to the Kenyan coast from November 27 to December 6. A highlight of the conference will be the Uganda-Kenya Coast Open Golf Tournament, set to be held on November 9, 2024, at the Kampala Golf Club.
State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra, reflected on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that it unexpectedly benefitted the tourism sector by driving growth in both domestic and regional tourism. As the region continues to recover and thrive, the Uganda-Kenya tourism partnership stands poised to unlock even greater potential in the coming years.