New board Chair promises professionalism in tour operations

PIC: Benedict Ntale,the deputy chair AUTO.(Credit: Jacky Achan)

TOURISM

KAMPALA - The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) gets a new board Chair.

Everest Kayondo of Ever Based Tours and Travel saw off stiff competition from Civy Tumusiime to become board chair.

Tumusiime served as a Committee member on the outgoing Board. Only seven votes separated the two candidates. Kayondo garnered 87 votes while Tumusiime had 80 during the election in Kampala on Thursday.

Upon election, Kayondo promised to further improve professionalism in the sector.

Tourism is one of Uganda's fastest growing and largest sectors. It is targeted to earn $2.7 billion annually for Uganda.

Uganda Tourism Board Executive Director, Stephen Asiimwe urged the incoming Executive to work with the Tourism Board to market and promote Uganda's tourism products.

Members of AUTO at the annual General Assembly and elections in Kampala.(Credit: Jacky Achan)

The Director Tourism Development at Uganda Wildlife Authority Stephen Masaba says they are to work with the new AUTO leaders in selling tourism products especially gorilla tourism.

He also promised to ensure that tourism services are only consumed through registered tour companies in Uganda.

The outgoing Board Chair Babra A. Vanhelleputte of Asyanut Safaris and Incentives requested the new leadership to continue advancing the vision and goals of the association.

"We leave AUTO with better structures, systems and staffing than what we found at the beginning of our tenure.

I request you to build upon those to improve service delivery to the membership and to grow tourism in Uganda," Babra advised.

Kayondo will be deputised by Benedict Ntale of Ape Treks Ltd until 2020 when a new exective will be elected.