Kenya-Uganda tourism is the beneficiary of reduced border restrictions

Kenya and Uganda have experienced a nearly twofold increase in tourism numbers over the past two years, which has been attributed to the relaxation of border restrictions. In an effort to enhance integration, the two countries have implemented combined tourist events.

In 2022, 320,000 tourists visited various tourist centers, while the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) data indicates that more than 600,000 tourists from two nations visited various tourist centers.

A variety of interventions, such as the use of identification cards to traverse borders, enhanced infrastructure, investments in establishments, and joint campaigns, have helped to overcome market access challenges, thereby increasing the number of users.

A joint marketing initiative of beach and safari, which was initiated approximately two years ago, has been successful in increasing the number of participants.

According to Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, the Uganda Consul-General at the Kenyan Coast, the number of travelers has increased as a result of the modernization of the transport sector and the increased frequency of Uganda Airlines flights. In 2023, for example, over 490,000 Kenyans visited Uganda, while only 201,620 Ugandans visited Kenya.

Mr. Mukumbya stated that more citizens in the two countries have increased the desire to visit various tourist attraction centers as a result of two highly successful Kenya-Uganda tourism conferences that were conducted in the coastal towns of Mombasa and Diani.

During the media inauguration of the 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in Mombasa, he was speaking.

He stated that the current number of tourists is anticipated to increase as a result of the enhancement of tourism promotion, including a trade and investment mission to Uganda in November of this year.

He stated that previous campaigns have effectively raised awareness of the products and destinations of the Kenya and Uganda Coasts.

Synergies have been established and improved between the Kenya Coastal region and Uganda’s major tourism actors, as each country’s tourism stakeholders are already marketing both destinations.

The collaboration will guarantee that thousands of tourists who are visiting either Kenya or Uganda can readily travel between the two countries. They will be able to enjoy breakfast at the shore and lunch at a safari in Uganda.

“The objective of this initiative is to encourage Kenyan businesspeople and manufacturers to investigate opportunities in Uganda, thereby fortifying the economic relationship between the two countries.

From November 20th to November 21st, 2024, the 3rd Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference will be held in Kampala, Uganda, according to the consul-general.

Different tourism products from Uganda and Kenya Coast are complementary, making it simpler to market them internationally.

Uganda and Kenya have the potential to collaborate in the promotion of tourism without any competition. Uganda boasts mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, cultural and religious tourism, and the vibrant nightlife of Kampala, while Kenya’s coast is home to stunning beaches, marine tourism, and historical sites.

Dr. Sam Ikwaye, the executive director of KAHC, underscored the significance of cultivating trust and collaboration among tourism stakeholders, as well as the beneficial effects of the conference’s familiarization excursions and business-to-business interactions.

“The confidence levels among stakeholders have risen, enabling Kenyan and Ugandan operators to develop and exchange tourism packages effectively,” according to him.

In the ongoing joint campaign, Kenya and Uganda have a mutual agreement that allows tourists to visit Uganda on the same visa after arriving in Kenya, with Uganda Airlines serving as the connecting carrier.

The major stakeholders include the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Kenya Association of Travel Agents, TOSKENYA, KAHC, Kenya Coast Tourist Association, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Federation, Uganda Tourism Board, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Uganda Tourism Association, Eyalama Adventures, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda.

The East African market has significant tourism potential due to its population of over 200 million, emerging middle class, enhanced infrastructure, and relaxation of travel restrictions.

Kenya continues to be Uganda’s largest source market for visitors in the region and the second largest in the globe, following the United States, generating 32% of the total number of arrivals last year.