Kiwanda sets off for Berlin Tourism Expo

Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda (file photo)

TOURISM

A 30-member delegation led by Godfrey Kiwanda, state minister for Tourism and officials from Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has set off to showcase the country's tourism products and services at the ITB Berlin annual expo, in Germany.

The four days' expo will take place at the Messe in Berlin. According to a statement from UTB, it is the World's Leading Travel Trade Show for every international expert in the tourism industry.

"It is against this backdrop that a delegation comprising over 30 Uganda tour operators, led by the State Minister for Tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda and UTB officials today set off for Germany to attend the ITB Berlin Tourism Expo," the statement read in part. 

The UTB Chief Executive Officer, Lilly Ajarova, said that the expo is a huge opportunity for Uganda tour operators to attract new businesses given the high profile as well as a large number of participants that grace the event every year. 

"ITB is without a doubt of invaluable importance to Uganda given that Germany is one of our top source markets. We believe that at this expo, our tour operators will be able to get bookings as well as connections to new markets. 

"Exhibitor satisfaction at ITB over the years has stood at over 90%, which is a sign of effective delivery on business," Ajarova said.

Tourism currently contributes 10% of the GDP. It contributed in excess of $1.4b (nearly sh5) in 2018. 

By 2020, it is projected to rake in a record sh9.4tn as major infrastructural projects take shape.

Uganda was voted among the 5 best exhibitors out of over 800 participants in the African category, in 2017 and 2018 annual showcase according to UTB.

The ITB Berlin Tourism Expo is one of the world's four major international tourism gatherings and one of the most important to Uganda's tourism sector given that Germany, the host country, comes third as a source market for tourists in Uganda annually.   

According to ITB, more than 109,000 trade visitors and potential travelers seeking business opportunities as well as inspiration for their next trip visited last year's expo. That number is expected to increase this year.