The Uganda Tourism Board in partnership with Fort Portal Municipal Council, and private sector players under NYK logistics have launched the Fort portal tourism and cultural festival (FORFEST) that is to take place from October 26 to October 28.
During the launch Steven Asiimwe, the Chief Executive Director, Uganda Tourism Board cautioned called for calmness among politicians so as not to disturb the tourism industry.
The FORFEST is one of the tourism campaigns that are intended to support regional travel through Uganda. According to Paul Nyakaana, Director NYK logistics limited, the event will bring together sports, tourism and cultural activities from Fort portal and the surrounding areas something that will boost the tourism industry.
“We are going to have cultural exchange on the grounds which involves MDD and we shall learn various cultures from other troops for example how to use chop sticks and the Chinese food”
Given the current political situation in the country of the famous age limit debate that has caused ruckus in various parts of the country, the question of whether the tourism industry is being affected or not had to come into play. Steven Asiimwe the Chief Executive Director, Uganda Tourism Board said that this has not affected tourism yet. He however called upon colleagues in the political arena to keep calm so that the current political scuffles do not hinder the tourism industry in Uganda.
“The issue of age limit as far as we are concerned has not affected us because the numbers have continued to come, there have been no cancellations, this is a political thing that has no bearing at least in the immediate as far as visitor numbers are concerned”
“We call for our colleagues in the political arena to keep calm and debate in a civil manner to keep sight of the fact that this should not impede on the security and also our tourism.”
Tooro region contributes 45% to the tourism industry in Uganda given the fact that it harbours various cultures, National Parks including Queen Elizabeth, Kibaale and Rwenzori other various tourism attractions.
“In terms of leisure visitor numbers, Tooro region is home to four national parks like queen Elizabeth, Semliki, Kibaale and Rwenzori, so my quick calculation is that it contributes about 45% to the tourism industry” Mr Asiimwe said.
