As the tourism industry continues to evolve, the need for stronger partnerships and regional collaboration has become increasingly clear. In Kenya’s Coast region, this shift is reflected in the growing momentum of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents Coast chapter, where members are actively seeking new networks, products, and cross-border opportunities to drive growth.

This spirit of collaboration was evident as KATA members turned up for the Uganda Cultural Exhibition held on May 2 in Mombasa.

Hosted at Fort Jesus Gardens, the event brought together tourism stakeholders, airlines, and cultural groups, creating a vibrant platform for regional engagement and exchange.

During the exhibition, members engaged with key industry players including Safarilink Aviation and Uganda Airlines, alongside destination marketing bodies such as the Kenya Tourism Board and Explore Uganda.

The cultural showcase featured traditional institutions including the Buganda Kingdom and Bunyoro Kingdom, among other exhibitors, highlighting Uganda’s rich heritage and diverse tourism offering.

Beyond the cultural displays, the exhibition presented practical opportunities for travel agents, who were able to build connections with partners offering pilgrimage travel, farm-based tourism experiences, and escorted visitor programmes.

Industry stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of such platforms in strengthening regional tourism linkages, particularly as East Africa positions itself as a more integrated and experience-driven destination.

For KATA Coast members, the event reinforced a growing reality — that collaboration, not competition, will define the next phase of tourism growth in the region.