A group of prominent influencers from Qatar has praised Uganda's tourism potential, describing the country as an underrated gem with breathtaking natural beauty, warm hospitality, and diverse attractions.
The influencers visited Uganda to explore its tourism opportunities and promote the country as a top destination among their followers in the Middle East.
During their trip, the influencers expressed surprise at the stark contrast between Uganda's portrayal in international media and the reality on the ground.
"Before coming here, I was hesitant because of what I had seen in the media. But when I arrived, I found Uganda to be much nicer than expected. Every day brought a new, amazing experience," one of the influencers said.
They highlighted Uganda's rich natural attractions, cultural heritage, and welcoming people as key assets that make it an ideal destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation.
However, they emphasised that Uganda's global image could be significantly enhanced through strategic media promotion.
"Uganda has everything the people, the hospitality, the places. What’s needed is more investment in media promotion. We’re in the age of social media; everyone is on their phones. If Uganda is promoted effectively on digital platforms like other countries, it will become one of the best places to visit," an influencer noted.
The influencers urged Ugandan authorities and tourism stakeholders to leverage social media platforms to showcase the country's unique offerings.
They believe that with proper promotion, Uganda could attract a significant number of tourists from the Middle East and beyond, boosting the tourism sector and the national economy.
Their visit comes at a time when Uganda is working to revamp its tourism sector, a major contributor to the economy. According to the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), tourism contributed 7.7% to Uganda's GDP in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel.
Led by Ambassador Mohammed Baswari Kezaala, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Uganda Embassy in Qatar, the delegation visited Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where they experienced the world-renowned mountain gorillas.
The group is set to continue their journey to Murchison Falls, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, and Jinja City, Uganda's adventure capital known for its exhilarating river activities.
"The familiarisation trip is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Qatar and Uganda and raising awareness of Uganda's tourism offerings. We are delighted to host these influential individuals from Qatar, who will help us connect with a wider audience in the region," said Amb. Kezaala. "Our goal is to position Uganda as a must-visit destination for Qatari travelers, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse tourism experiences."
Following the familiarisation trip, the influencers will embark on a two-month digital promotion campaign.
They will share their experiences and captivating content on their platforms, showcasing Uganda’s exceptional wildlife, landscapes, and cultural richness.
This collaboration is expected to generate significant social media engagement and raise awareness of Uganda as a premier tourist destination in Africa.
This initiative is part of Uganda’s ongoing efforts to build stronger ties with the Gulf region, encourage cultural exchange, and boost tourism arrivals to the country.