Kenya and Uganda have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening tourism diplomacy, paving the way for seamless travel experiences across East Africa. The renewed efforts are expected to accelerate cross-border tourism and stimulate shared economic growth for both nations.
Kenya recorded over 225,000 Ugandan tourist arrivals in 2024, a figure projected to reach 300,000 by the end of this year, highlighting Uganda’s position as a key tourism source market. The rising numbers are attributed to visa-free travel under East African Community (EAC) protocols, and the recent scrapping of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for Ugandan and other African travelers entering Kenya.
Joint regional campaigns like “Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe”, and Kenya’s “WRC Tugende Kenya” initiative have played a major role in marketing the region as a single tourism destination. These coordinated efforts aim to attract more international and intra-African tourists by showcasing the region’s rich cultural, wildlife, and adventure experiences.
The deepening cooperation reached another milestone today as President William Ruto of Kenya and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism. The MoU provides a framework for collaborative policy development, joint marketing, capacity building, and investment in tourism infrastructure.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Rebecca Miano, hailed the agreement as a turning point in East African tourism diplomacy. “This MoU sets the tone for a unified, borderless tourism experience within the region,” she said. “By working together, we will enhance our global competitiveness and drive sustainable economic transformation for our people.”
The partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for tour operators, hospitality investors, and local communities, positioning East Africa as a leading tourism hub on the continent.
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