Tourism executives from East Africa met in Arusha, Tanzania, to discuss how improved transport and logistics could unlock a larger regional tourism market ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host. The event highlighted that faster, cheaper, and more seamless travel between neighbouring countries is essential to attract more visitors and maximise the tournament's economic benefits.
However, high airfares and fragmented transport systems were identified as major constraints. Intra-regional flights within East Africa often cost more than flying to destinations outside the continent, discouraging potential travellers. Additionally, poor road and rail links, border delays, and inconsistent visa policies further hinder movement across the region.
The 2027 AFCON, scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is expected to draw thousands of fans and tourists. To capitalise on this, stakeholders are calling for harmonised visa regimes, improved infrastructure, and more competitive pricing. The East African Community (EAC) has been working on a single tourist visa, but implementation has been uneven.
Experts argue that without addressing these transport and logistics gaps, the region may fail to fully benefit from the tournament's potential. They emphasise that seamless connectivity would not only boost tourism during AFCON but also create lasting benefits for the region's travel and hospitality sectors.
