Minister of State for Tourism Tom Butime has called for promotion and marketing of Uganda’s tourism destinations.
Mr Butime, however, said this requires major investment in quality accommodation, transport services, food and professional guiding services.
“The sector is slowly recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic with the recent rise of domestic tourism across the country. This has been possible due to the adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which has given travellers confidence,” Mr Butime said.
“The tourism we promote today is largely green and resonates with the agenda for sustainable development; environment protection and cultural preservation, all of which are seen in many of our rural areas,” he added.
Mr Butime made the remarks during the commemoration of the World Tourism Day in Fort Portal, Kabarole on Sunday.
The celebrations were graced by Tooro king Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV in Fort Portal City.
Rwenzori Sub-region has Queen Elizabeth National Park, which also covers the Mgahinga chimpanzee and gorilla habitat in Kigezi. The celebrations seek to address global challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and to highlight the contribution of tourism in development. Advertisement
There was tree planting around the king’s palace to foster environmental protection in the region.
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, 61 per cent of tourists from USA and Britain come to Uganda looking for preserved natural or historical sites and 53 per cent enjoy the trip more when they learn about customs, geography and culture of the local communities.
King Oyo said tourism generates income for rural communities and creates jobs.
“Uganda is gifted by nature and blessed with a unique cultural heritage. Every Ugandan must become a tourism ambassador for the country. If Uganda is the Pearl of Africa, then Tooro Kingdom is the jewellery of the pearl,” he said.
He said the tourism potential of Tooro and Uganda generally is inadequately exploited due to limited branding, marketing, poor infrastructure and depletion of natural and cultural heritage.
Uganda has been recognised by the World Travel and Tourism Council with a safe travel stamp to reopen the country to the rest of the world, according to Ms Lilly Ajarova, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board.
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