A team from Kenya that includes tourism trade operators and media that have been in Uganda for a seven day familiarization trip to seek business support and partnership with their counterparts in Uganda on September 17th 2022 concluded their visit to the country. The visit aimed at boosting cross border tourism focused on building linkages that will encourage tourists from Kenya to explore adventure, leisure, business and cultural attractions that Uganda has to offer. The trade team visited Namugongo Martyrs shrine and museum, Ndere centre cultural experience, Kibale national park, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Forest National park and the nightlife experiences across the country.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Lilly Ajarova at the debrief meeting with trade teams at Imperial Royale hotel explained that Uganda was working with Kenya tourism stakeholders to grow the tourism numbers and duration of stay for visitors in the country. This, she said requires aggressive marketing of the country based on what is experienced first hand. “The familiarization trip is designed to give the Kenyan trade partners the opportunity to explore Uganda. The trip presents a first-hand feel of the unique attractions and cultural experience by the trade teams which will better appreciation of the products offered,” she said.
The trade partners will work together to develop attractive tourism packages that will benefit both destinations in terms of business. UTB has been running a campaign to reposition Uganda as a leading tourism destination in Africa under a new thematic brand dubbed ‘Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa.’ Uganda is banking on this refreshed destination brand identity to increase tourist arrivals as the global travel industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Yvonne Muteru, senior sales consultant Gamewa Tchers safaris was amazed by the beauty and breath-taking sceneries in Uganda. “Uganda is indeed one of the most unique natural, cultural and historical attractions in Africa and the world. This country boosts of the largest single population of the mountain gorilla anywhere on earth. Apart from the big five, the country has a variety of wildlife, culture and landscape view to experience and feel. The Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine is one of the sites for religious tourism in Uganda which attracts people of all walks of life in the world to learn and pay tribute to the martyrs who were killed by Kabaka Mwanga of Uganda. Ugandans are said to be among the friendliest people in the world with a rich cultural heritage. Known as the Pearl of Africa, for its immense natural wealth, with its 45 million people and 52 indigenous tribes, it offers a captivating tourism experience packed with unforgettable memories for adventure-seekers like water-rafting. For avid bird-watchers, they have over 1,000 bird species to see,” she said. She promised to visit again and create business opportunities in partnership with the Uganda tour operators.
