Kenya is targeting to grow international tourism arrivals from Uganda by 27pc to at least 300,000 this year riding on the visa-free policy for African countries.
Speaking at the Pearl of Africa Expo (POATE) in Uganda, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the policy has spurred growth of visitor arriving in the country from the region since its establishment last year.
“As one of the more vibrant tourism economies in the region, Kenya recognizes the tremendous potential presented by the Ugandan market. Our presence at the expo is a testament to this commitment as we continue to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation and develop integrated cross-border experiences that benefit both nations,” said Miano.
Official data shows that Uganda is Kenya’s biggest tourism source market in the region contributing 9.4pc of total arrivals to Kenya last year with 225,559 arrivals.
Last year, bed-night occupancy in hotels, lodges and other rooming houses by Ugandan visitors also improved from 95,400 to 115,5000.
“We are positioning Kenya as a favourable destination with value for money for Ugandan travellers. Our strategy includes making Kenya a memorable destination for weddings and honeymoons, meetings, exhibitions, retreats, and sports tourism,” she stated.
“Additionally, Kenya is emerging as a preferred shopping destination in the region, with numerous malls offering international brands and products found in other global jurisdictions,” added Miano.
The ministry says strategic marketing campaigns for events such as safari rally have successfully attracted motorsport enthusiasts from Ugandan bringing in an estimated 33,000 visitors from the region, majority of whom were Ugandans.
“We are eager to engage partners at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo to further develop the Ugandan source market as well as explore opportunities for jointly marketing our complementary tourism assets together to encourage travellers to experience the full spectrum of East African tourism which benefits the region,” said June Chepkemei, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer.
The expo currently underway has attracted over 260 exhibitors as well as 70 international buyers, over 5,000 trade visitors and leading industry professionals from across the region and beyond.
