Uganda's Tourism Industry Needs a Boost to Compete with Regional Counties

Uganda's tourism industry is struggling to attract visitors compared to its neighbors, despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Many people are discussing ways to improve this situation and make Uganda a top destination for tourists.

According to Amos Wekesa, Team Leader of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, tour operators in Uganda face significant challenges in convincing wholesalers about the country's potential, with less than 5% of their efforts being rewarded.

"We spend 95% of our efforts convincing wholesalers about Uganda instead of selling our product," Wekesa said. "Our neighbors, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, have successfully marketed their countries, and it's time for Uganda to follow suit."

Wekesa emphasized the need for a critical mass of individuals, including those in government, to push for marketing efforts with the right budgets on the right platforms. He cited the example of Kenya, which receives significantly more tourists than Uganda, with 180,000 English tourists and over 300,000 Americans visiting the country annually

Amos Wekesa ( Tusker Lite Rwenzori Picture)

The new team of leaders at the Uganda Tourism Board has sparked hope for change, but Wekesa warned that the board needs to be allowed to aggressively push for both domestic and international tourism without being bogged down by non-productive processes.

"We need 1000 times more efforts over many years to come close to what our neighbors have achieved," Wekesa said. "The Uganda Tourism Board's budget is limited, but if well-invested, it could produce some results."

Wekesa's own efforts to market Uganda through the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon are an example of what can be done, but he emphasized that more needs to be done to make a significant impact.

With the Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism, and some embassies now showing interest in promoting Uganda's tourism sector, there is hope that the country can achieve some results and increase its visibility as a tourist destination.

Recently, Turkish influencers wrapped up an epic 9-day Uganda tour, showcasing the country's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tourist attractions. This is one way of promoting Uganda.

The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria and Ministry of Tourism have always struggled to bring tourists into the country, but now they have a drive to bring influential individuals from South Africa to Uganda in August.

Events like the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, Gulu City Marathon, and Fort Portal City Marathon have also improved the rate of runners coming to Uganda from different countries, highlighting an improvement.

In so doing, more events and marketing them will improve the livelihood of people from revenue collected and money that goes directly to individuals through guiding, offering hospitality services, among others. A case study is Kasese Town, which has subsequently improved because of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, where there are many developments in the area.


End 

Story by Jonan Mumbere 

Contact us at 

Email: jeericknews3@gmail.com 

+256766684141

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kasese Catholic Diocese Permitted to Run Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences.

Image
Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health has accredited Kasese Catholic Diocese to run Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences in a move to improve healthcare in the country. The institution that will run under Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital is meant to produce health workers who are God fearing and dedicated to their services. Mr. Joseph Kule Nzukwa, the Chairperson for the Governing Council for the institution explain that the government positively responded to their application for running a college at the diocesan headquarters. "We received the license from the Government of Uganda on August 06 this year, which will enable us carry out out activities smoothly" Nzukwa explain Mr. Joseph Nzukwa Chairperson for the Governing Council for the institution. He reveal that the college will however for the beginning start with 02 courses including nursing and midwifery and later add others in the near future.  Nzukwa add that the establishment of a health training facility i...
Read more

Kasese Mourns : Senior Four Candidate Dies at Bwera SS

Image
The deceased is identified as Nabasire Sulaina Index Number U0436/200 has been studying at Bwera Secondary School.  She passed away suddenly last night. The student, had sat for two UNEB papers exams just yesterday, was rushed to Bwera Hospital after experiencing terminal agitation but unfortunately died upon arrival. Nyiraneza Grace, Sulaina's mother "The news of Sulaina's passing has left us in shock and disbelief. She was a bright and dedicated student who had a promising future ahead of her." - Bwambale Amos, teacher and patron of student leaders Bwambale Amos, teacher and patron of student leaders "We are devastated by the loss of our dear student. Sulaina was a friendly and compassionate individual who was loved by all who knew her." - Masereka Dickson, school head prefect Masereka Dickson, school head prefect "I am overwhelmed with grief. My daughter was full of dreams and aspirations. She wanted to become a doctor and make a difference in the wo...
Read more

Arinitwe Brain, Tibesingwa Milton and Masika Eva Leads Kasese District In Tusker Lite Mt.Rwenzori International Marathon 2024.

Image
Arinitwe Brain from Katadoba in Kasese Municipality finished in 7th position in 21KM race. However most of athletes' positions were not disclosed to our reporter. Some of Kasese Runners   21Km Men's Category 1.Arinitwe Brain  2.Kinyamunyo Erikana 3.Kajura Gerlad 21KM women Category 1st Biira Jovia 2nd Kabugho Juliet 3rd. Nzyabake Fai Arinitwe Brian  The host has be struggling for the last editions of Mt Rwenzori Marathon but this edition they 100 athletes took part. Francis Mugisha Kithulha the Executive Director of Kithulha Care Initiative who played a big role in preparation of Kasese Municipality Runners urges sponsor to consider local runners as a way of motivation. " I request sponsors to at least plan some prizes for local runners in the next edition, even if they are not been able to perform better" Kithulha says Mr. Kithulha Francis- Executive Director of Kithulha Care Initiative   Peter Ogwang the Minister of State for Sports in Ugandan pledges his commitmen...
Read more