By MixiTVFocus – East Africa Tourism Report, October 2025

The coastal city of Malindi, Kenya, played host to a landmark event in East Africa’s tourism calendar — the 2025 Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition, held at the Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. The two-day event brought together high-level government officials, tourism boards, investors, tour operators, and media professionals from both nations to discuss strategies for strengthening cross-border tourism cooperation, promoting sustainability, and attracting invesPurpose of the Conference: Deepening East African Tourism Collaboration

Now in its fourth edition, the Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition was conceived as a bilateral platform to foster regional unity through tourism diplomacy. The 2025 edition carried the theme:
“Building Bridges Through Blue Economy and Regional Tourism.”

The primary goal was to enhance partnerships between Kenya’s coastal destinations — including Kilifi, Malindi, and Watamu — and Uganda’s inland tourism circuits, such as the Pearl of Africa’s lakes, forests, and adventure landscapes.

By aligning marketing strategies, sharing policy insights, and exploring joint product development, both countries aim to create a seamless East African tourism experience that encourages intra-regional travel and attracts more international visitors.

The conference also focused on:

• Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Advocating for eco-friendly practices and community-based tourism models.

• Boosting Investment: Encouraging private sector participation in hospitality, transport, and creative tourism sectors.

• Cultural Exchange: Using shared history and identity to strengthen tourism linkages.

• Regional Branding: Positioning the East African Coast and Uganda as a unified global destination. tment into the region’s growing travel economy.

Highlights and Key Activities

1. Opening Ceremony at Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, Malindi

The conference was formally opened by H.E. Flora Mbetsa Chibule, Deputy Governor of Kilifi County, alongside representatives from Uganda’s Consulate in Mombasa and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). In her remarks, Deputy Governor Chibule emphasized that Kilifi’s vast potential in coastal tourism, blue economy, and cultural heritage can only reach its peak through sustained collaboration with regional partners.

“We must look beyond borders and build a network of mutual benefit,” she said. “Tourism is not just an industry — it’s a bridge of understanding, unity, and shared prosperity.”

High-Level Panel Sessions and B2B Networking

Throughout the two-day conference, panel discussions covered critical topics such as:

• “Sustainable Blue Economy and Tourism Development”

• “Cross-Border Marketing and Investment Opportunities”

• “Youth and Women in Tourism Leadership”

• “Cultural Diplomacy as a Tool for Regional Integration”

Business-to-business (B2B) sessions allowed tour operators, investors, and destination marketers from both Uganda and Kenya to forge direct partnerships, design cross-border itineraries, and explore joint ventures in hospitality and eco-tourism.

3. Exhibition Showcase: Tourism Products and Innovations

A vibrant exhibition zone featured displays from tourism boards, local governments, hotels, travel startups, and artisans. Uganda showcased its mountain gorilla trekking, lakeside retreats, and adventure tourism offerings, while Kenya’s coastal exhibitors highlighted beach resorts, marine parks, and community-led cultural experiences.

This exhibition not only celebrated diversity but also highlighted innovation — with digital tools for travel booking, sustainable packaging in hospitality, and AI-driven marketing solutions for tourism enterprises.

4. Kilifi Cultural & Familiarization Tour

To complement the business sessions, delegates embarked on a familiarization (FAM) tour across Kilifi County. The itinerary included Vipingo Ridge, Malindi Old Town, and local artisan villages, offering participants a firsthand taste of Kilifi’s natural beauty and vibrant hospitality.

The experience allowed visitors to witness the unique blend of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese heritage that defines Kenya’s coast — from architecture and cuisine to music and crafts. The FAM tour reinforced why Kilifi remains a key tourism gateway and cultural melting pot within the region.

Outcomes and Future Outlook

By the close of the conference, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to joint marketing campaigns, exchange programs, and policy harmonization aimed at making cross-border tourism easier and more rewarding for travellers.

Stakeholders agreed to establish a Uganda–Kenya Tourism Working Committee to follow up on resolutions, focusing on visa facilitation, regional product packaging, and sustainable tourism frameworks aligned with the East African Community (EAC) vision.

H.E. Paul Mukumbya, Consul General of Uganda in Mombasa, lauded the collaboration, noting that tourism remains one of the strongest tools for diplomacy and mutual growth. “The connections we build here go beyond business — they are the foundation of East Africa’s shared future,” he said.

Conclusion

The success of the 2025 Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition reaffirmed Malindi’s place as a beacon of East African cooperation. From inspiring conversations to cultural immersion, the event reflected the spirit of a region united by purpose, diversity, and a shared love for travel.

As Kilifi County looks ahead, the message is clear — East Africa is open for business, adventure, and connection. With continued collaboration, the dream of a single, vibrant East African tourism destination is well within reach. #MixiTVFocus #VisitEastAfrica #UgandaKenyaTourism #KilifiCounty #TourismConference2025 #RegionalIntegration #SustainableTourism #MalindiExperience