Kenya and Uganda are joining hands to grow tourism by promoting their attractions together instead of competing for visitors.

The 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference will run from October 22 to 29 in Malindi, bringing together leaders, investors and tourism players from both countries.

Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, said the goal is to highlight what both countries have to offer and encourage more travel between them. “Since 2022, we’ve taken over 100 Kenyan tourism stakeholders to Uganda and brought more than 300 Ugandans to the Kenyan coast,” he said.

“It’s not a competition but a partnership. This year we are focusing on young people, innovation and technology to make tourism more inclusive.”

Uganda plans to market its gorillas, tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife, while Kenya will showcase its sandy beaches, marine parks, safaris, skydiving and deep-sea diving.

Last year, over 600,000 Kenyans travelled to Uganda, while more than 250,000 Ugandans visited Kenya, mainly at the coast.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro called the conference “a call to action,” urging the creation of joint tourism routes that link Uganda’s gorilla parks with Kenya’s beaches.

He also listed Kilifi’s own attractions such as Watamu Marine Park, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Gede Ruins, Bofa Beach, Marafa Hell’s Kitchen, Mijikenda Kaya Forests and cultural experiences.

“We need to brand East Africa as one destination with many experiences,” he said, adding that this would also create investment opportunities in eco-lodges, transport and community tourism.

The event is expected to draw about 750 key partners and will push for closer cooperation to grow tourism across the region and encourage more Africans to travel within Africa.