KAMPALA — Kenya’s coastal tourism sector is strengthening its position as East Africa’s leading beach and leisure destination, backed by rising regional travel and renewed partnerships showcased during the ongoing Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026 in Kampala.
A strong delegation of coastal hotels, resorts, and tourism stakeholders from Kenya used the expo to deepen collaboration with regional markets, particularly Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, which continue to drive year-round tourism demand and occupancy along the Kenyan Coast.
Speaking at the expo, John Ololtuaa said Uganda remains one of Kenya’s most important tourism source markets due to strong transport connectivity and growing regional travel integration.
“Uganda remains a key market for Kenya due to its accessibility by air, road, and even through Lake Victoria, making travel between the two countries seamless,” he said.
“The Kenyan Coast continues to anchor regional travel demand, thanks to its pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, diverse hospitality offerings, conferencing facilities, and enhanced connectivity,” he added.
According to tourism figures shared at the expo, Uganda contributed 234,556 visitors to Kenya in 2025, accounting for 31 percent of all African arrivals and representing an 8.7 percent increase from the previous year.
Tanzania followed with 209,536 arrivals, reflecting a 7.7 percent growth, as Kenya now targets a 27 percent rise in Ugandan arrivals to reach the 300,000 mark.
Stakeholders said the Kenyan Coast continues to attract a diverse range of travellers through destination weddings, honeymoons, golf tourism, family holidays, wellness retreats, and business travel.
The growing intra-African market has also helped stabilize Kenya’s tourism sector against fluctuations in long-haul international travel.
Major events such as the World Rally Championship (WRC) were cited as additional drivers of regional arrivals, attracting thousands of visitors into Kenya annually.
Ololtuaa said improved air connectivity, progressive visa policies, and stronger regional infrastructure are accelerating tourism flows across East Africa.
“Travellers are increasingly opting for an integrated East African experience that combines wildlife safaris, coastal leisure, business events, and cultural tourism,” he said.
“Through the ‘Visit East Africa, Feel the Vibe’ campaign, we are promoting the region as a unified destination.”
At POATE 2026, Kenya joined hundreds of exhibitors and international buyers to showcase tourism products, hospitality services, and investment opportunities.
Coastal hospitality brands including Neptune Hotels, PrideInn, Tamarind, and Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort used the platform to market customized travel packages targeting East African travellers.
Victor Shitakha described the expo as an important platform for shaping regional tourism offerings and partnerships.
“This is a vital platform to promote curated packages for regional travellers — short beach holidays, wellness retreats, destination weddings, festivals, nightlife, MICE tourism, and sports experiences,” he said.
He also highlighted growing collaboration between Kenya and Uganda through joint tourism marketing campaigns and multi-destination travel initiatives.
Among the initiatives is the annual Uganda-Kenya tourism conference, which brings together tour operators and tourism stakeholders to promote complementary attractions across both countries.
Regional stakeholders are also leveraging tourism platforms such as Kili Fair in Tanzania and the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, supported by visa-free travel arrangements and expanding transport connectivity.
As intra-African travel continues to grow, stakeholders said the Kenyan Coast is increasingly emerging not only as a premier beach destination, but also as a strategic hub for regional tourism and economic integration.
