The 4th Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition opened at the Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, bringing together key tourism stakeholders under the theme “Leveraging Youth, Innovation, and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism.” The conference attracted more than 750 delegates and provided a platform to discuss digital solutions, youth-driven innovation, sustainable tourism, and new business opportunities within the region.
In his opening remarks, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, stressed the importance of joint tourism promotion between Uganda and Kenya. He noted that the two countries complement each other’s strengths, with Kenya offering pristine beaches and Uganda showcasing rare wildlife such as mountain gorillas. He encouraged the two nations to market their unique attractions collectively to enrich visitor experiences. He outlined tourism opportunities in adventure and business summits, cultural exchange, agri-tourism, experiential travel, sports tourism, and digital innovation, underscoring the need for strong public–private partnerships.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, who served as Chief Guest, emphasised the central role of youth in shaping the future of tourism. The Governor of Kilifi County also welcomed delegates and highlighted the region’s commitment to youth innovation and empowerment.
Following the conference, a delegation of 30 Kenyan tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and influencers embarked on a seven-day familiarization trip across Uganda, officially flagged off by Ambassador Mukumbya. The Uganda-Kenya Coast Fam Trip 2025, an outcome of the Malindi conference, aimed to strengthen cross-border collaboration and promote seamless regional tourism within East Africa.
The delegation explored Uganda’s diverse attractions, beginning with a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This immersive experience showcased Uganda’s dedication to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development in one of Africa’s most iconic natural sites.
By experiencing Uganda firsthand, the Kenyan delegation gained insights into packaging and marketing Uganda’s tourism products to regional and international travellers. The trip reaffirmed Uganda’s rising profile as a premier destination and strengthened efforts to position East Africa as a unified, borderless tourism hub grounded in cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity.
