Representatives from Kenya and Uganda’s tourism sectors urged governments to cut airfares and remove cross‑border travel barriers, warning that high costs could deter both East African and international visitors during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, highlighted that flights between Entebbe and other East African destinations can cost as much as trips to Europe, placing air travel out of reach for many potential tourists.

Nakawuki proposed extending Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway towards Kampala and exploring water‑borne links such as Entebbe‑Kisumu services to provide cheaper alternatives to air travel.

She also questioned why East African Community (EAC) citizens still face “unnecessary hurdles” at borders despite Article 104 of the EAC Treaty guaranteeing free movement of people, labour and services.

Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, singled out the mandatory yellow‑fever vaccination as a restriction needing review.

Tour Operators Society of Kenya chairman Raymond Cheruiyot called for joint marketing and policy harmonisation, stressing that eliminating bottlenecks would allow multi‑country holiday packages and benefit hotels, transport firms and tour operators.

Tourism data show rising cross‑border flows: Ugandan arrivals in Kenya grew from 201,623 in 2024 to 234,556 in 2025, while Kenyan visitors to Uganda rose from 466,902 to 519,041 over the same period.

The summit, held under the theme “Unlocking Tourism Opportunities,” gathered government officials, tourism boards and tech innovators to discuss policy bottlenecks, digital tourism tools and the free‑movement commitments of the EAC.

Organisers noted that the three host nations – Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania – aim to leverage AFCON 2027 to encourage visitors to explore attractions beyond stadiums, such as Kenya’s beaches and wildlife parks and Uganda’s gorilla trekking.

Nakawuki warned that political stability ahead of Kenya’s 2027 general election and health concerns, such as a recent Ebola case, could affect tourism perceptions if not managed carefully.