ARUSHA, Tanzania — East African Community (EAC) ministers responsible for tourism have agreed on key measures to harmonise tourism standards, ease regional travel and strengthen the bloc’s position as a single, competitive tourism destination.
The resolutions were reached at a regional tourism meeting held in Arusha, Tanzania, last weekend, where ministers reviewed progress on previous decisions and ongoing initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation among Partner States.
The meeting focused on tourism facility classification, joint destination marketing, implementation of the Single Tourist Visa, tourism statistics and transboundary wildlife conservation.
Uganda’s delegation was led by retired Minister and Col. Tom Butiime of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime, Uganda’s Consul in Arusha, Ambassador Anne Katusiime, senior ministry officials and representatives from the EAC Uganda office.
Among the key decisions, ministers adopted common EAC tourism classification plaques and certificate designs to promote uniform standards across the region. They also directed that classified tourism establishments be published in the EAC Gazette, a move intended to enhance consistency and recognition of tourism facilities across Partner States.
The ministers further urged Partner States to conclude national consultations on the Single Tourist Visa, an initiative expected to simplify travel for visitors exploring multiple destinations within the region.
The meeting also reviewed joint tourism marketing efforts, the collection and sharing of tourism statistics, and collaboration in conserving wildlife populations and ecosystems that extend across national borders.
The resolutions are expected to strengthen regional coordination, improve the visitor experience and enhance East Africa’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
By harmonising standards and addressing barriers to cross-border travel, the EAC aims to encourage tourists to explore multiple destinations within the region, potentially increasing visitor numbers, tourism investment and employment opportunities.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of collective action among Partner States in unlocking East Africa’s tourism potential and positioning the region as an integrated destination offering diverse wildlife, cultural heritage and natural attractions.
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