Uganda turns to tapping East Africa's tourism market

One of the biggest highlights of post-election times in Uganda is political violence. This year's elections were not exceptional. Alas! As dissatisfied politicians put up a fierce fight against their rivals in protest over respective election results, several media houses (from both within and outside) blew things out of proportion.

They made it look like the whole of Uganda was on fire.

According to Lyazi Vivian, Principal Tourism Officer of Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, this prompted the cancellation of several touristic arrivals, especially from source markets like the UK and US. Overtime, this has frustrated the sustainability of many tour companies—inclusive of powerhouse brands like Premier Safaris.

 

The Rwandan tour operators pose for a team picture at Lake Bunyonyi with representatives of Uganda Tourism Police and Uganda Wildlife Authority

In a move aimed at restoring things back to normal. The Uganda Tourism Board in partnership with Uganda wildlife Authority has turned to tapping regional markets.

To fuel this realization, groups of tour operators Rwanda and Kenya will be taken on familiarization trips around attractions unique to Uganda.

According to Sylvia Kalembe, UTBs Senior Marketing Officer, the initiative which roared to life at the start of last week is meant to enable them (tour operators) sell the country from an informed point of view.

"In equal measure, it is meant to enable their clients' make the most of single East African VISA, a travel incentive which grants one accessibility into Uganda's sister countries at no extra VISA cost, save for the standard $100."She adds

Adding his voice to Kalembe's, Lyazi is optimistic that the move is timely considering that the VISA fee is going to be halved to $50 effective the new financial year (this June).

While concluding a four day familiarization tour around Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National parks for 10 tour operators from Rwanda yesterday. Mr. Engena Raymond, Uganda Wildlife Authority's—Director of Tourism and Conservation observes that the particular choice to start with Rwanda—is based on the fact they receive lots of visitors. Unfortunately, their country has limited products to offer.

In response to this development, Darius Nandinda, Kabale's Resident District Commissioner has assured that plans are underway to upgrade all roads leading to tourism attractions within the District. This will facilitate easy mobility of tourists, thus contributing to the dream on East Africa becoming a single travel destination.

Asked whether including Uganda's attractions into their itinerary makes business sense, Nsengiyumua Chris of Songa Africa of a renowned safari company in Rwanda, couldn't help but smile.

Using Lake Bunyonyi as an example, he delighted that Uganda is melting pot for tourism.

Among the many things that makes it a dependable partner is the fact that it hosts plentiful of accommodation facilities from budget and high end facilities.

"This makes it very easy to sell to Rwanda's target market, especially the US. The cherry on the cake is that it is endowed with bucket list adventures and attractions, a good number of which are found nowhere else in the region, like the source of the Nile,Jinja.