Kenya Coast tourism partnership with Uganda grows
Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Partnership Expands with new Youth and Technology focussed Programme
The 4th Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition, set for 27th–28th October 2025 in Malindi, marks an exciting new chapter in regional collaboration.
Organized by the Consulate General of Uganda in Mombasa and Kilifi County Government, alongside key tourism stakeholders, including Vipingo Ridge, this year’s edition introduces a flagship programme placing youth, innovation, and technology at the heart of sustainable tourism growth.
Building on a Proven Partnership
Since its launch in 2022, the Uganda–Kenya Coast partnership has shifted the tourism landscape by promoting complementarity over competition, Uganda’s primates and adventure experiences, alongside Kenya’s beaches and marine attractions.
The results have been remarkable: in 2024, Kenya became Uganda’s top source market with 466,000 visitors, while Uganda ranked as Kenya’s second-largest source market with 225,559 visitors.
The annual Tourism Conference participation has grown from 250 delegates in 2022 to more than 600 in 2024, with over 450 stakeholders taking part in immersive cross-border familiarization trips.
Vipingo Ridge is popular with Ugandan Visitors: Golfers, Families and Weddings
These tourism milestones were celebrated by stakeholders including Vipingo Ridge.
Vipingo was proud to host the first Kilifi Uganda Open in 2024, with a triumph for Team Uganda, and the vibrant Uganda Cultural Festival 2024, both of which showcased how culture and sport can strengthen tourism ties between the two nations.
Vipingo Ridge has also joined the familiarisation trips for Uganda Tour Operators, and has been delighted to welcome both golfing groups and families from Uganda as a great resort option for those looking to have a beach or golf holiday. Vipingo Ridge is also a very special wedding venue, and will be host venue for a Ugandan destination wedding next year.
A Successful Media Launch for the 2025 Programme
The 2025 programme was officially unveiled today at a high-profile press launch, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and the media to spotlight the theme:
“Leveraging Youth, Innovation and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism.”
Vipingo Ridge was proudly represented by our CEO, Alex Horsey, who joined H.E Gideon Mung’aro, Kilifi County Governor and Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Consul General of the Republic of Uganda and other distinguished guests at the event.
The launch was a success, with presentations highlighting how the initiative is designed to empower young entrepreneurs and innovators to develop solutions such as AI-powered booking systems, VR travel experiences, and digital marketing platforms that connect East Africa to global markets.
Blending these timely themes with the core of the Uganda-Kenya Coast Partnership, complementary tourism products and East Africa cooperation, the Media Launch of the 2025 programme was a great success.
Images Credit: Kilifi County
Register for your place at the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference
The media launch concluded with H.E Gideon Mun’garo as the first to register online for his ticket to the Conference. Tickets are now on sale for this exciting annual event:
Kenya Coast Sports Tourism at Vipingo Ridge
In addition familiarisation trips for the tourism stakeholders, this year’s pre-conference activities include a Golf Tournament at Vipingo Ridge on 25th October, building on the sport’s growing role as a driver of cross-border tourism.
Golf Tourism is a key activity in the new collaboration for Magical Kenya with the Kenya Tourism Board: Golf, Beach and Safari: Kenya's bold vision for Golf Tourism.
The Kilifi Uganda Open golf tournament launched in 2024 has already become a highlight, attracting golfers from both nations and creating new networking opportunities in sports tourism.
Connecting Golf and Youth
Vipingo Ridge has a strong background in supporting golf talent and community engagement and will be embracing this years’ theme.
In order to support the youth-focused initiatives: a proposal is underway to engage professional golfer Naomi Wafula and local youth organisations the early parts of the familirisation trip on 22nd–23rd October to inspire young participants.
Vipingo Ridge is also in line to be showcased as a Smart Destination during panel discussions at the Uganda-Kenya Coast conference on 27th October, with a focus on how the Vipingo Ridge ‘complete experience’ connects to a digital tourist and modern trends in tourism.
More on this youth golf clinic to come soon. In the meantime, learn more about our work in the community to engage youth with golf:
Looking Ahead
Beyond the conference, reciprocal fam trips will see Ugandan stakeholders exploring Kenya’s coastal offerings, followed by Kenyan delegates touring Uganda’s wildlife and cultural attractions.
The Organizing Committee, expects the outcomes to include new youth industry partnerships, strengthened tech adoption in tourism, and investment in improved air connectivity such as Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe–Mombasa route.
With its growing synergy of culture, sport, and innovation, the Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference continues to position East Africa as a unified, forward-looking tourism hub.
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