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The inaugural Uganda cultural and culinary festival kicked off at the Diani Reef Beach Hotel in Kwale, Kenya, attracting over 500 local and international tourists.
This event marks the beginning of a series planned across four Kenyan coastal counties: Diani Reef in Kwale, Ocean Beach in Malindi, Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi, and Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
The festival serves to showcase Ugandan culture and cuisine to Kenyan and international audiences, while also aiming to attract more Kenyan tourists to Uganda.
Highlighting Existing Tourist Exchange:
Uganda's Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, addressed the opening ceremony, emphasizing the significant tourist flow between Kenya and Uganda. In 2023 alone, Kenya welcomed roughly 200,000 Ugandan tourists, while nearly 500,000 Kenyans visited Uganda for leisure or business purposes.
Encouraging Further Kenyan Tourism to Uganda:
Mukumbya underscored the strategic focus of the festival on attracting more Kenyans to explore Uganda's tourism offerings. He highlighted the ease and affordability of travel between the two countries. Kenyans only require a national identity card to enter Uganda, eliminating the need for visas or passports. This simplified process is expected to encourage more spontaneous trips.
Regional Collaboration and Cultural Exchange:
Mukumbya stressed the importance of regional cooperation in boosting tourism across East Africa. The festival serves as a platform for both nations to tap into neighboring markets and strengthen tourism ties.
Cultural Performances and Culinary Delights:
The Kwale edition of the festival provided a captivating experience for attendees. Guests were treated to traditional dances by the renowned Ndere Troupe, while Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime offered a touch of humor. Additionally, a culinary showcase presented a chance to savor a variety of authentic Ugandan dishes, enriching the cultural exchange experience.
Kwale's Commitment to Tourism Collaboration:
Kwale's Deputy Governor, Chirema Kombo, reiterated the county's strong commitment to fostering tourism collaboration with Uganda. He extended invitations for investment across various sectors, acknowledging the crucial role that cultural exchange plays in driving socio-economic development. This commitment aligns with Kwale's previous hosting of its own cultural festival, demonstrating its dedication to promoting cultural heritage.
The Uganda cultural and culinary festival's launch in Kenya signifies a promising initiative to strengthen tourism ties between the two countries. By showcasing Ugandan culture and cuisine, while simultaneously simplifying travel options for Kenyans, the festival has the potential to attract a wider audience and contribute to the overall growth of regional tourism in East Africa.