Kenya Targets 300,000 Ugandan Tourist Arrivals in 2026 on Stronger Air Links
Kenya is targeting a 27 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from Uganda to 300,000 in 2026, underpinned by improved air connectivity between Nairobi and Entebbe. Uganda remains Kenya's largest regional source market, accounting for 234,556 visitors in 2025 - representing 31 per cent of all African arrivals and an 8.7 per cent increase on the previous year. Tanzania followed with 209,536 arrivals, up 7.7 per cent over the same period.
The growth outlook was highlighted by industry stakeholders attending the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in Kampala, where business-to-business engagements focused on deepening intra-regional travel across the East African corridor. Kenya Airways Country Manager for Uganda Felix Mwangangi noted that daily flights from Entebbe to Nairobi with onward connections to Mombasa are strengthening access to Kenya's coastal destinations. East Africa Tourism Platform CEO Frank Gisha cited a 30 per cent increase in cross-border tourism since the COVID-19 period, driven by demand for weddings, MICE events and beach holidays. Stronger air links, visa facilitation measures and regional trade platforms continue to support Kenya's position as a leading intra-African tourism hub.
Source: Capital FM
