EAC members agree to harmonise tourism policies, licensing and quality services for visitors

ARUSHA: EAST African Community (EAC) countries have agreed to harmonise tourism policies, licensing requirements and service quality standards to strengthen regional competitiveness and market the bloc as a single tourism destination.

The decision was reached at the 13th EAC Sectoral Council on Tourism and Wildlife Management, which concluded at ministerial level in Arusha on October 15, 2026, after four days of discussions.

The meeting brought together ministers responsible for tourism and wildlife management from EAC Partner States to develop joint strategies for promoting sustainable tourism, improving service quality and increasing economic benefits from the region’s tourism resources.

Opening the meeting, Zanzibar Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Suleiman Masoud Makame, said tourism success depends not only on the region’s attractions but also on service quality, visitors’ experiences and joint marketing by member states.

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The agreement comes as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda prepare to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for June 19 to July 17, 2027.

The tournament is expected to provide an opportunity to promote the three countries’ attractions and raise the profile of East Africa in international tourism markets.

Hotels, transport companies, tour guides, food service providers, artists and small and medium-sized enterprises are also expected to benefit from economic activities associated with the tournament.