UTB, Emirates Airlines partner to promote Destination Uganda
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has a signed a partnership agreement with the Emirates Airlines aimed at promoting destination Uganda's diverse tourism offerings.
As part of the initiative, Emirates Airlines will feature promotional videos highlighting Uganda's iconic tourist attractions and natural wonders on inflight entertainment systems on the Entebbe-Dubai route to among others offer passengers a glimpse into the beauty of the Pearl of Africa and inspire them to explore Uganda and experience its beauty firsthand.
In addition to inflight promotion, the United Arab Emirates flagship carrier will offer exclusive benefits to support travel within Uganda's tourism sector.
Passengers, including UTB staff, hoteliers, tour operators, and media personnel booking tourism-related travel through Emirates, will enjoy a 10 percent discount on their fares.
The collaboration will also see gorilla trekking, white-water rafting, and cultural landmarks explored and marketed to a potential global audience.
Ms Lilly Ajarova, the chief executive of UTB, said the Emirates Airlines will also collaborate with the Board to organise familiarisation trips to Uganda for key figures playing a tremendous role in the tourism industry, such as journalists, travel agents, and tour operators, among others.
"These trips aim to promote Uganda's tourism sector and provide valuable insights to industry professionals who can share their experiences with potential travelers," Ajarova said.
The partnership marks a significant step in Uganda's efforts to attract more visitors and showcase its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife experiences which is bound to position Uganda as Africa's best tourist destination.
Tourism is a key growth sector in Uganda, contributing nearly 10 percent of GDP and 6 percent of total employment.
However, because of unprecedented (economic) times and inadequate marketing strategies, tourism in the country has grown slowly and the sector performs far below its potential.
Ajarova is optimistic that the collaboration will play a crucial role in driving tourism growth and create opportunities for economic development in the country.
