Sustainable Tourism Takes Center Stage At Uganda-Kenya Coast Conference

Driving Growth Through Sustainable Practices And Cross-Border Partnerships

The third Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, held in Entebbe, highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable tourism. Over two days, tourism leaders came together to explore how environmental conservation can drive growth in the tourism sector while uplifting local communities. The event underscored the importance of preserving ecosystems and promoting responsible travel practices.

Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, John Mulimba, emphasized the role of tourism in improving livelihoods while urging sustainable practices. The conference also spotlighted Kenya Tourism Board’s “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign, encouraging travelers to plant trees as a positive legacy for the environment.

Discussions focused on challenges like human-wildlife conflict and overreliance on foreign visitors. Minister Mulimba proposed focusing more on domestic tourism, while Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, called for affordable travel packages to make tourism accessible for locals. He also noted the growth in Kenyan tourism thanks to Ugandan visitors, with 201,623 arrivals in 2023, up from 151,121 in 2022.

Innovative eco-tourism initiatives were showcased, including Kilifi County’s upcoming underwater museum and the recognition of the Gedi Ruins as Kenya’s 8th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conference emphasized the potential for creating tourism packages that blend Kenya’s coastal beauty with Uganda’s adventure tourism and wildlife sanctuaries.

A Vision for the Future

The conference also highlighted regional collaboration through sporting and cultural events like the AFCON 2027 and WRC Safari Rally, all vital for tourism growth. By prioritizing sustainability and affordability, Uganda and Kenya are paving the way for a thriving tourism sector that benefits both people and the planet.

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