Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference 2024: Youth, Technology, and Regional Partnerships
Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated fourth Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, Exhibition, and Familiarization (Fam) Trip, set to run from October 27 to 29 at the Ocean Beach Resort & Spa in Malindi, Kilifi County. This annual gathering has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone event for fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation in East Africa’s travel sector, and the 2024 edition promises to set new benchmarks for participation, content, and impact.
The event was officially launched with a spirited ceremony in Mombasa, uniting senior tourism officials, county executives, private sector leaders, and notable personalities such as Ugandan brand ambassador Akothee. The occasion underscored the growing momentum behind regional tourism integration, with Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung'aro, the Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, and leading tour operators all lending their support.
This year’s conference theme, "Leveraging Youth, Innovation & Technology for Responsive & Inclusive Tourism," resonates powerfully with the evolving needs of Africa’s travel industry. Amb. Paul Mukumbya, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, emphasized that the forum is designed to nurture complementarity rather than competition between Uganda and the Kenya Coast. The rising number of delegates—from 200 at the inaugural edition in 2022 to an expected 750 this year—attests to the event’s growing influence as a platform for partnership, business development, and knowledge exchange.
Amb. Mukumbya drew attention to the transformative role that young people are playing across the tourism value chain. “As the tourism sector evolves, innovation and technology are shaping its future. Young people—with their fresh ideas and tech-savviness—are uniquely positioned to drive change as travelers, service providers, and entrepreneurs in tourism and hospitality,” he said. From seamless mobile booking apps and AI-driven customer service to virtual reality travel experiences, youth-led innovations are making the industry more efficient, sustainable, and customer-centric than ever before.
Governor Mung'aro echoed this optimism, highlighting the energy and creativity that youth bring to the sector. He pointed out how tech-enabled startups, sustainable tourism ventures, and smart hospitality solutions are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also contributing to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment across the region. These trends are reshaping tourism landscapes and creating new opportunities for communities, especially in destinations that embrace forward-thinking policies.
Industry experts are keenly watching how the conference’s focus on technology and youth empowerment will translate into actionable outcomes. Dorcus Rukundo Twesigomwe, Business Development Manager at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, encouraged greater Ugandan participation, citing the surge in Kenyan visitors to Ugandan national parks. She stressed the myriad opportunities for young professionals in areas such as research, digital marketing, and social media engagement—all crucial for building resilient, adaptive tourism brands in today’s competitive market.
To maximize the event’s impact, a series of related activities will precede the main conference. Ugandan tourism stakeholders will embark on a Fam trip along the Kenya Coast from October 22 to 26, exploring local attractions and forging new business links. A golf tournament at Vipingo Ridge on October 25 will provide additional networking opportunities in a relaxed, scenic setting. Meanwhile, Uganda Airlines has pledged discounted fares for registered conference participants, further easing access and fostering cross-border movement.
All these activities are designed to build on the successes of previous editions while addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities in regional tourism. As the East African tourism sector continues to recover and innovate post-pandemic, partnerships like these are crucial for driving growth, ensuring inclusivity, and sharing best practices. The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference stands as a model for how neighboring countries can work together to unlock shared potential, promote mutual investment, and celebrate the continent’s diverse attractions.
For Africa’s travel professionals, the stakes are high. As the industry pivots toward digital transformation, sustainability, and youth-led innovation, those who embrace new technologies and collaborative mindsets will be best positioned to capture the next wave of tourism demand. The 2024 conference is more than just a meeting of minds—it is a launchpad for actionable ideas, strategic partnerships, and a bold new era of responsive, inclusive tourism across the region.
