THE East African Community (EAC) has announced that it will promote the region as a unified tourism destination at the International Tourism Bourse (TTB) in Berlin, Germany, scheduled for March 4-6.

The ITB Berlin Convention is the world's largest tourism convention held annually at the Berlin Trade Fair. The convention is a key platform for tourism industry, offering opportunities to learn from global tourism experts.

The EAC, a regional intergovernmental organization of eight member states, said in a statement released yesterday that by representing the region as a single tourism destination, it will showcase its diverse attractions under the brand "Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe."

Veronica Nduva, EAC Secretary General, said this is part of the bloc's efforts to position the region as a leading global tourism destination.

The EAC aims to attract international tourists and investors by highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique attractions, said Nduva.

She said the region offered travelers a wide range of experiences, "including the most iconic wildlife with the highest population of lions in the world, and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa."

"The region's vibrant cities, hospitable people, and diverse ethnic communities further enhance its appeal as a must-visit destination." 

The EAC's participation will also serve as a platform to promote East Africa's multi-destination tourism offerings and cross-border experiences, according to the statement.

 The EAC member states are Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda.