Middle East tour operators impressed by Uganda's tourism potential

TOURISM | UTB | EXPLORE UGANDA

A team of six tour operators from the Middle East were awed by Uganda's magnificent landscapes, weather, culture, flora and fauna during their seven-day trip to the Western part of the country. 

Led by Johnston Glenn, the group made a weeklong familiarisation trip to Bwindi impenetrable forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale national park. 

Under their umbrella body Aviareps, the tour operators had been invited by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) as part of the consolidated efforts to promote the newly launched brand of 'Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.'

Daniel Irunga, the senior marketing officer under UTB said, synergies are geared towards tapping into the Arabian travel market segment as a source market for Uganda's tourism. 

He noted that the group comprised the most potential tour operators, with the biggest number of tourists who usually book through their companies every year. 

"Whereas they are based in Dubai, they have a foothold in the six gulf states which are among our targets," noted Irunga.

Tucked in the hilly Southwestern corner of Uganda with terraced hills and meandering landscapes is Bwindi, Kigezi region. (All Photos by Julius Luwemba)

Aviareps six-member team traversed the country's prized destinations with the intent to create itineraries that will spur travel demand in the United Arab Emirates home destinations. 

While in Bwindi, the team enjoyed a mountain gorilla tracking expedition as well as tranquillity, nature and charming locals before en route to Queen Elizabeth national park where they delved into a variety of wildlife species and later to Kibale forest for Chimpanzee tracking experience.

Shapna Shabeer from Xperience holidays Dubai company, who was part of the fam trip, was marvelled at Uganda's beauty and natural endowments. 

"Everything about this country is beautiful, especially the landscapes and forests. As international tourists are now looking for such destinations that can allow social distancing, Uganda qualifies because of its virgin forests and quiet environments," she intimated.

Meeting the local communities, stood out for Johnston Glenn, notably the Batwa people in South Western Uganda to whom the tourists donated five goats and dined together. 

Glenn, who led the team, advised that Uganda's diverse culture ought to be promoted. 

"We are looking not at mass tourism but people having amazing experiences and being able to leave the environment intact in a sustainable tourism manner and being able to support the communities around," said Glenn.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, tourist arrivals to Uganda from the Middle East region were 13,391 in 2015, 13,668 in 2016, 13,395 in 2017 and 4,523 in 2019. 

The team's exposure to Uganda's unique tourism offerings is expected to serve a big mileage for the 'Explore Uganda-The Pearl of Africa' brand in the Gulf states.

In the last year 2021, a team of ten European tour operators toured Uganda intending to promote different tourism products to travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 

The travel enthusiasts with a big influence on several tourists from the three European countries were received by Lilly Ajarova the UTB Chief Executive Officer.

Led by Juergen Salzer, the team embarked on a trip to several national parks including Kibale for Chimpanzee trekking, Bwindi national park for gorilla tracking, Bugoma forest, and Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth among others. 

They also visited Lake Bunyonyi and the source of River Nile in Jinja among other tourist experiences.