Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya form joint tourism committee

Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda have formed a joint tourism marketing committee to among other things promote East African tourism sites at the World Travel Market Exhibition in London, starting next week (7-9 November).

Kiwanda poses with the different Tulambale publicists. Photo by Danielle Nalukenge

Describing the imitative as the first ever joint exhibition by the three East African countries, Godfrey Kiwanda, the state minister for tourism, said the move will enhance the growth of the tourism sector in the region.

"This year's exhibition is also unique because of the preparatory work that has been done by the East Africa tourism platform as well as Kamageo, the public relations firm that Government contracted to market Uganda in the UK and Ireland. Over 20 Ugandan tour operators and Government agencies will participate in the exhibition," he said.

In October, Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda launched a single entry tourist visa to allow free movement of tourists within the region.

"We now promote East Africa as a region, and if you recall, the East African tourist visa has been operational for a couple of years now. Tourists can use a single visa to visit Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda," he added.

Kiwanda with Milege Festival publicist Daniel Mutembesa. Photo by Danielle Nalukenge

According to the website of World Travel Market London, during the event, various tourism actors will meet industry professionals and conduct business deals.

Kiwanda said Uganda's tourism sector will benefit from the event because professional public relation firms have been conducting aggressive awareness for the unique sites in the country.

In January, at a cost of $1.5m (sh3.5b),Uganda Tourism Board contracted three firms to conduct public relations for the country—PHG Consulting for the North America market, Kamageo for the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland; and KPRN for the German speaking Europe.