Tourism Leaders Unite To Promote Environmental Stewardship And Economic Growth
Entebbe, Uganda – 22nd November 2024
The call for sustainable tourism took center stage at the third edition of the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, as stakeholders from both countries vowed to lead the charge in environmental conservation. Held over two days in Entebbe, the event underscored the critical link between preserving natural ecosystems and driving growth in the tourism sector, setting the stage for collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding the environment and uplifting communities.
Uniting for a Greener Future
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, John Mulimba, passionately emphasized the shared responsibility of tourism players to protect the environment, not only to preserve natural beauty but also to enhance cultural integrity. “Investing in tourism is investing in livelihoods, uplifting entrepreneurs, artisans, and families,” he noted, urging stakeholders to adopt practices that blend sustainability with economic impact.
The conference aligned closely with Kenya Tourism Board’s (KTB) “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign, a visionary initiative encouraging travellers to plant trees as a legacy of positive environmental impact. This initiative symbolizes the shared commitment of the two nations to combat climate change and preserve landscapes for future generations.
Overcoming Challenges in Tourism Sustainability
The event highlighted significant challenges to sustainable tourism, including human-wildlife conflicts and an overreliance on foreign visitors. Minister Mulimba proposed a redefined focus on the domestic market as a key strategy for resilience. Meanwhile, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, called for more budget-friendly travel packages to make tourism accessible to locals, dispelling the myth that travel is only for the wealthy or foreigners.
He also highlighted the growth in Kenyan tourism attributed to Ugandan travellers, revealing that Uganda ranked as Kenya’s second-performing market after the USA, with 201,623 visitors in 2023, up from 151,121 in 2022. The introduction of increased Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and Entebbe, alongside the use of national identity cards for cross-border travel, was cited as a major catalyst for this growth.
Innovations in Eco-Tourism and Regional Collaboration
From the coastal beauty of Kenya to the adventure-rich landscapes of Uganda, the two regions are setting an example of complementary tourism. Kilifi County’s Deputy Governor, Flora Mbetsa Chibule, unveiled exciting developments in eco-tourism, including the upcoming underwater museum at Ngomeni, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the designation of the Gedi Ruins in Malindi as Kenya’s 8th World Heritage Site.
“Our regions are uniquely aligned,” said Chibule. “We can create packages that offer coastline serenity in Kilifi alongside Uganda’s adventure tourism and wildlife sanctuaries.”
A Vision for the Future
With sporting and cultural events like the Elgon Championship Rugby Cup, WRC Safari Rally, and the upcoming AFCON 2027 as key drivers, the conference emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration. These opportunities, combined with innovative eco-tourism projects and sustainable practices, signal a bright future for tourism in the region.
The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference set a powerful precedent for regional cooperation in building a sustainable, inclusive tourism industry. By prioritizing environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and affordable travel experiences, the two nations are paving the way for a thriving tourism sector that benefits both the planet and its people.
Join the movement. Travel responsibly. Leave a legacy.
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