Kenyan tour operators rush to seize Ugandan destinations as interest in the market surges

There is increased interest among Kenyan tour operators to venture into the Ugandan travel market, as Kenya’s tourism sector goes regional.

Every year thousands of Kenyans cross over to Uganda for both business and leisure tours, making Kenya one of the most reliable source markets for Uganda’s travel industry.

Already, a number of Kenyan travel companies have set up shop in the capital Kampala, as they hope to expand their operations.

Adventure tourism, cultural tourism and eco-tourism are the main attractions in Uganda, which is also the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river.

Notably, 75 percent of Uganda’s tourists are from African countries. Kenya, its eastern neighbour, accounts for 50 percent of all arrivals. In 2013, for example, more than 380,000 of the 1.2 million visitors to Uganda were Kenyan.

It was barely surprising then when more than 4,000 Kenyans crossed the border to attend the popular Nyege Nyege festival last week, the highest number of any nationality.

In Kampala’s vibrant nightlife, Kenyan revellers – including at Kenyan-owned clubs – are a common feature, partying the night away with their Ugandan counterparts.

To strengthen the destination’s appeal, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) last week hosted a group of Kenyan tour…