Tourism industry stakeholders in the region are advocating for the creation of the East African Community (EAC) as a unified tourism destination, aiming to maximize the tourism potential of the area. This topic was prominently discussed during the recently concluded 3rd EAC Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE’23) held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Tourism officials and partner states of the East African Community gathered at the forum to raise awareness about investment prospects in tourism and tackle the issues impacting the region’s tourism and wildlife sectors.

The expo marked the introduction of the “Feel the Vibe in East Africa” tourism brand by the EAC, with the goal of positioning the region as a unified investment hub.

Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife in Kenya, emphasized the commitment to sustainable tourism with this year’s theme, “Tourism for Green Growth.” Kenya plans to implement eco-friendly measures such as introducing electric cars in parks and adopting eco-rating schemes to advance both tourism and the green growth agenda.

He mentioned that the platform also presented an opportunity for the region to collectively showcase its distinct resources.

Annette Ssemuwemba, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Trade at the EAC, anticipated that annual tourist arrivals would rise to approximately 14.05 million by 2025, up from the 7.2 million recorded in 2019.

Rebecca Kadaga, the Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for EAC Affairs, emphasized the importance of leveraging the region’s natural resources. She stressed the urgency of expediting the EAC single tourism visa and encouraged partner states to accelerate the development of the EAC Tourism and Wildlife Protocol.

Experts highlighted that diversifying tourism products beyond traditional attractions and collaboratively promoting the region is crucial for revitalizing the EAC as a unified tourism destination.

Rebecca Kadaga emphasized the need to diversify tourism products, including cultural tourism, sports tourism, agro-tourism, and golf tourism. The EAC is working with partner states to create multi-destination thematic tourism packages, encouraging visitors to explore more than one EAC partner state in a single trip.

Frank Muzungu, Managing Director of Kigali Car Rentals and Tours, shared a success story post-Covid-19, noting the return of tourists locally, regionally, and internationally, which he believes will boost the economy and the tourism business ecosystem.

Peninah Malonza, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, commended EAC partner states for their active participation in the forum.