The embassies of Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya in Ankara, Turkey have launched a two-week promotional photo exhibition of the three countries’ flora and fauna as part of efforts to bolster regional tourism.

The trio is executing the promotion in partnership with YABANCI TV Hayatı Keşfet, a network that is part of the giant DEV Belgesel Production Company, and ANKAmall, the biggest shopping centre in Ankara. DEV Belgesel is a production company in the fields of book publication, documentary, and on-line and off-line content development.

"The photo exhibition aims to  raise awareness about culture, tourism, trade and investment opportunities that are available in East Africa with focus on the East Africa Single Tourist Visa,” said Eric Rugamba, an official at Rwanda’s Embassy in Turkey.

The exhibition runs from October 10 to 24.

The embassies of the three countries continue to initiate and organise various activities that would contribute toward an increased number of tourists to the region, Rugamba said.

 South Sudan is also taking part in the exhibition.

The exhibition was officially launched over the weekend by Amb. Caesar Kayizari of Rwanda, Amb. Johnson Agara Olwa of Uganda, Amb. Majok Thiep of South Sudan, and Counsellor Lindsay Kiptness, Charge d’Affaires of Kenya, along with BuÄŸra Köse, the Manager of ANKAmall and YABANCI TV Hayatı KeÅŸfet Director Burak John DoÄŸansoysal.

Similar exhibitions will be  organised in other Turkish cities of Istanbul, Antalya and EskiÅŸehir.

In February, the three East African Community (EAC) partner states launched a single  tourist visa.

The visa allows tourists to any of the three partner states to travel freely around the three countries without seeking any other travel document, or paying more.

The visa is meant to open the region to over one billion travelers from around the world and help boost tourism in the region.