KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda and Kenya are set to host the 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition from October 27–28, 2025, at the Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, Kenya.
Under the theme “Leveraging Youth Innovation and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism,” the conference will focus on how young innovators and digital solutions are reshaping the region’s tourism landscape.
This year’s conference is a direct result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism Cooperation signed on July 30, 2025, which provides a framework for joint promotion, knowledge sharing, and capacity building between the two nations.
During the launch in Kampala, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Uganda’s Consul-General in Mombasa, underscored the importance of tourism as a strategic initiative.
“Tourism is one of the strongest bridges connecting Uganda and Kenya. By collaborating on promotion and marketing, we enhance global visibility while reinforcing the social and economic ties of our region. This conference ensures both countries complement, rather than compete, in showcasing their unique attractions,” Amb. Mukumbya stated.
Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who represented the Permanent Secretary, highlighted tourism’s critical role in Uganda’s economic agenda.
“The Government aims to grow tourism revenue from US2billioninFY2022/23toUS50 billion by FY2039/40, while supporting broader priorities under the ATMS framework in agro-industrialization, mining, and science and technology. Tourism is central to our economic diplomacy, youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development,” he said.
A history of collaboration
Tourism between the two countries is robust, with 466,000 Kenyans visiting Uganda and 225,559 Ugandans traveling to Kenya in 2024. Improved air connectivity, including increased flights by Kenya Airways, has strengthened this cross-border exchange.
Since 2022, the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa has championed the Uganda-Kenya Coast Partnership, promoting tourism through conferences, exhibitions, and familiarization trips.
Three successful editions in Mombasa (2022), Diani (2023), and Kampala (2024) have fostered knowledge exchange, business-to-business networking, and collaborative marketing initiatives. These efforts have also raised awareness of key attractions, such as Uganda’s wildlife and cultural experiences and the Kenya Coast’s marine and historical sites.
Shakira Rahim Lamar, Head of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Uganda Airlines, praised the organizers for their consistency. “Service, humanity, and the joy we bring to travelers define tourism. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we enhance visitor experiences while strengthening the regional tourism ecosystem,” she said.
Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, and Stephen Asiimwe, CEO of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), both echoed the importance of regional coordination, emphasizing the role of youth and technology.
Asiimwe noted, “The youth in tourism are not just beneficiaries; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. Empowering them to reimagine tourism is an investment in sustainability. Technology connects our destinations to global audiences while ensuring inclusivity and resilience.”
Mr. Herbert Mwachiro of Kilifi County highlighted the complementary strengths of Uganda and Kilifi—Uganda’s wildlife and cultural tourism paired with Kilifi’s beaches and marine ecosystems—while also emphasizing sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities.
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Ambassador Dr. Suleiman Ibrahim Roba, Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to Uganda, expressed appreciation for the organizers and noted that the conference would further promote innovation and collaboration between the two nations.
Ambassador Mukumbya concluded by reaffirming the conference’s dual purpose as a sectoral and diplomatic platform.
“This is more than a conference; it is a mission to position Uganda and Kenya as partners in global tourism. By harnessing youth energy, technology, and regional unity, we can transform tourism into a shared engine of growth and understanding.”
The event will feature several youth innovators who have built platforms to make the East African tourism experience more convenient for a variety of budgets, from modest to high-end.
The registration portal, at https://www.thetourismconference.org/, was officially declared open by Ambassador Charles Ssentongo.
