Uganda and Tanzania have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional tourism cooperation following a high-level roadshow held in Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam on April 28, 2026.
Organised by the Uganda High Commission Dar es Salaam, the Uganda–Tanzania Tourism Roadshow brought together key industry players under the theme “Promoting Regional Tourism Partnerships & Business Linkages.” The event focused on deepening collaboration, enhancing joint destination marketing, and unlocking cross-border business opportunities within East Africa.
Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania, Elizabeth Allimadi, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in driving economic growth. She noted that closer partnerships would strengthen regional value chains and position East Africa as a unified tourism destination.
“This initiative goes beyond showcasing tourism potential. It builds people-to-people connections, encourages investment, and enhances destination competitiveness,” she said, while inviting stakeholders to the upcoming Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo in Kampala.
On the Tanzanian side, Willy Chambulo, president of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, called for collaboration rather than competition between the two countries. He stressed that improved infrastructure is essential for seamless tourism experiences across the region.
Echoing similar sentiments, Isa Kato of the Uganda Tourism Association highlighted the private sector’s role in advancing regional integration, noting that businesses must operationalise agreements signed by governments.
Meanwhile, Francis Nyende of the Uganda Tourism Board showcased Uganda’s diverse attractions, including mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, birding, and primate tracking experiences.
A major outcome of the roadshow was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators and UTA, and between TATO and UTA. The agreements commit the parties to joint marketing, business linkages, capacity building, and the development of combined tourism packages.
The partnerships are expected to increase tourist flows, stimulate innovation in tourism products, and further strengthen regional integration within East Africa’s tourism sector.
The event concluded with business-to-business engagements and networking sessions, providing a platform for tour operators from both countries to forge partnerships and expand regional tourism linkages.
