Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated fourth Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, Exhibition, and Familiarization (Fam) Trip. This significant event is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29 at the prestigious Ocean Beach Resort & Spa in Malindi, Kilifi County. Under the compelling theme, "Leveraging Youth, Innovation & Technology for Responsive & Inclusive Tourism," the conference aims to set new benchmarks for participation, content, and impact in the East African travel sector.

The event was officially launched with a spirited ceremony in Mombasa by the Consulate-General of Uganda in conjunction with key tourism stakeholders from both Uganda and Kenya. This launch underscored the growing momentum behind regional tourism integration and cooperation. Dignitaries present included Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung'aro, various county executives, representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, and leading tour operators. A special appearance was also made by Ugandan brand ambassador Akothee, adding to the prominence of the occasion.

Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, emphasized that the conference continues to grow as a vital platform for fostering complementarity rather than competition between Uganda and the Kenya Coast. He noted the remarkable increase in attendance, from 200 delegates at its inception in 2022 to a projected 750 stakeholders for this year's edition, attesting to the event's expanding influence as a forum for partnership, business development, and knowledge exchange.

Highlighting the core theme, Amb. Mukumbya articulated the transformative role of young people in shaping the future of tourism. "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 stated. He pointed to youth innovations such as seamless mobile booking applications, virtual reality travel experiences, and AI-driven customer service as key drivers transforming efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction across the industry.

Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung'aro echoed this sentiment, commending the creativity of youth in fueling tech-enabled startups, sustainable tourism ventures, and smart hospitality concepts. He underscored that these innovations not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute significantly to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment across the region. These trends are actively reshaping tourism landscapes and creating new opportunities for communities, particularly in destinations that embrace forward-thinking policies.

Dorcus Rukundo Twesigomwe, Business Development Manager at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, encouraged greater Ugandan participation in the Malindi conference. She highlighted the increasing number of Kenyan visitors to Ugandan national parks and stressed the myriad opportunities available for young professionals in crucial areas like research, digital marketing, and social media engagement, all essential for building resilient and adaptive tourism brands in today’s competitive market.

To maximize the event’s impact and foster broader engagement, a series of related activities will precede the main conference. Ugandan tourism stakeholders will embark on a Familiarization (Fam) Trip along the Kenya Coast from October 22 to 26, providing opportunities to explore local attractions and forge new business links. Additionally, a golf tournament at Vipingo Ridge on October 25 will offer further networking opportunities in a relaxed and scenic environment. Facilitating cross-border movement, Uganda Airlines has generously pledged discounted fares for all registered conference participants.

This year’s conference and its accompanying side events are meticulously designed to build upon the successes of previous editions while proactively addressing emerging challenges and opportunities within regional tourism partnerships. As the East African tourism sector continues its recovery and innovation post-pandemic, such collaborations are crucial for driving sustained growth, ensuring inclusivity, and sharing best practices. The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference stands as a pivotal model for how neighboring countries can effectively work together to unlock shared potential, promote mutual investment, and celebrate the continent’s diverse attractions, launching a bold new era of responsive and inclusive tourism across the region.