EAC Makes Historic Debut at Berlin Tourism Fair 2025

The 2025 International Tourism Trade Fair (ITB) kicks off today in Berlin, Germany, running for three days until March 6. For the first time, the East African Community (EAC) is taking part in this prestigious global tourism event.

This participation is expected to foster sector growth and address the challenges hindering the tourism industry both within the community and internationally.

Under the theme "Visit East Africa for Joy," the EAC aims to showcase its diverse tourist attractions, highlighting the rich experiences within its member states.

Apart from the EAC Secretariat, six member states—Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—will present their tourism offerings at the exhibition.

As the ITB is a significant opportunity for the member states to bolster their tourism industries, it is encouraged that they participate actively, placing the interests of their countries and the EAC as a whole at the forefront. This participation will ensure that there is a secure market presence in various international markets.

This event is seen as an invaluable commercial opportunity for the member countries, given the scale of the fair, which will gather tourism stakeholders from across the globe.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, advancing technologies, and learning best practices in tourism management. It is not just about tourism trade but also about promoting culture, history, natural wealth, and the breathtaking landscapes of the EAC member states, helping attract both business investors and tourists alike.

EAC's presence at the event is expected to draw attention from international tourists and investors, who will be captivated by the rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique tourist attractions of East Africa.

The exhibition also offers an essential opportunity to network with key tourism industry players, including tour operators, hotel owners, and event managers. Through the exchange of experiences and the development of valuable partnerships, the EAC will be better positioned to attract tourists.

Clearly, the participation of all EAC member states in this event will help raise awareness of the unique attractions each country has to offer, broadening the tourism market both locally and within the broader community.

Notable attractions such as the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and others across the eight member countries will continue to be promoted at this global stage, attracting tourists from around the world.

It is therefore imperative that each EAC member state maximizes this opportunity, ensuring that it serves as a transformative platform for the tourism sector—an economic pillar that can significantly drive regional development.

We wish the EAC every success in their inaugural participation at the ITB, which presents a key opportunity to shape the future of the tourism industry, fostering economic growth for the region’s citizens and increasing the economic output of the member countries as well as the EAC as a whole.