Mombasa Tour Operators Explore “Pearl of Africa” to Boost Cross-Border Tourism
A delegation of tour operators and influencers from Mombasa begins a multi-site familiarisation trip led by Consul General Amb. Herbert Kiguli, aiming to unlock new investment and tourist flows between the two East African neighbours.
Kampala, Uganda — Uganda continues to solidify its reputation as a premier regional tourism destination through targeted promotion and cross-border cooperation. Late last evening, a high-profile delegation comprising tour operators and digital influencers from Mombasa, Kenya, touched down in Uganda to embark on a familiarisation (fam) trip designed to showcase the breadth of the Pearl of Africa’s attractions.
The visit forms a key component of the Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Summit 2026, an initiative dedicated to harmonising tourism strategies between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal region. The delegation is being spearheaded by Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, the Consul General of Uganda in Mombasa.
Flagging Off New Partnerships
During the flag-off ceremony this morning, Amb. Kiguli formally welcomed the visitors, urging them to fully immerse themselves in the country’s diverse offerings. He emphasised that firsthand experience is crucial for travel professionals to effectively market destinations to their clientele.
“I encourage our guests to make the most of this experience,” said Amb. Kiguli, noting that the trip would serve as a bridge for future business collaborations.
A Diverse Itinerary
The familiarisation programme is meticulously curated to highlight Uganda’s unique selling points, ranging from wildlife safaris to cultural heritage sites. Key stops on the itinerary include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: For mountain gorilla trekking.
- Kibale National Park: Famous for chimpanzee tracking.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Showcasing dramatic landscapes and game drives.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: A critical conservation success story.
- Cultural & Historical Sites: Including the Source of the Nile, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, and the Buganda Kingdom Trail.
- Agrotourism: Visits to spots like Kaynela Farm to demonstrate sustainable agricultural tourism.
Economic Diplomacy in Action
This mission goes beyond sightseeing; it represents a strategic push by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to leverage Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD). By facilitating direct contact between private sector stakeholders in Uganda and Kenya, the mission aims to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.
Officials hope the initiative will result in increased tourist flows along the Entebbe-Mombasa corridor, alongside new joint ventures in hospitality and travel services. As East African nations increasingly compete globally as a single destination, intra-regional trips like these are vital for building the trust and networks necessary to grow the industry.
