Uganda Tourism Association sees 2022 as Recovery Year for Hospitality Sector

Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) is optimistic that the New Year 2022 will see business look up for hospitality sector in Uganda.

In his new year message to Members of the Tourism and Hospitality Business Community and Ugandans in general, Herbert Byaruhanga, President, UTA says:  “With several campaigns going on to attract domestic and international tourists, there are indicators that 2022 will be a pickup year where our businesses will begin to recover. We need to ensure that infrastructure renovations are done, websites are rebuilt, staff are retrained and retooled, our social media platforms send out the right message, acquire licenses, ensure compliance, and a lot of marketing done in the preferred tourist source markets.”

He appeals to the Government of Uganda to allocate resources to campaigns that market the country as a tourism destination.

“I appeal to the Government to allocate more resources to the marketing of this country. Our country should remain among the most preferred destinations of Africa. Marketing should not only be left to Government alone but Private operators should be able to travel to everywhere they think they will find tourists,” Byaruhanga said, adding “Supporting the private sector do this will fasten the process of recovery and hence attracting more tourist numbers into and around the country. More support is needed in skilling the workforce because the tourism and hospitality business operates largely on peoples’ services. Competent and knowledgeable workforce will offer memorable experiences which will be spread through word of mouth.”

Byaruhanga also appealed to politicians to support  one of the leading sectors in the country, saying that it does not belong to any particular political party.

“I would also like to appeal to all politicians irrespective of their political inclinations to support the tourism industry. Tourism business is one of the leading sectors of the economy globally that can reduce on unemployment. It is also among the top 3 sectors of the economy (ATM) that brings in large foreign revenue. This industry can only survive in a peaceful climate. Tourism doesn’t now belong to any political party. While you do your best to engage in political conservational, always remember to avoid portraying Uganda as unsafe country,” he said.

He applauded the partners that have supported the tourism sector and the Ugandan economy in the recent difficult times brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We appreciate the recovery support from MTWA, PSFU, UNDP, GIZ,

ENABEL, World Bank, European Union, UWA, UTB, UWEC, the media, and all those that have made any effort to support the economy of Uganda. I thank the tourism business directors, tourist guides, General Managers, waiters and waitresses, and all the service providers for your resilience and ensuring that the country remains visible,” the UTA President says in appreciation.

He called on Ugandans to embrace vaccination as the world battles the covid-19 pandemic.

“I must call upon the tourism fraternity and the entire country to embrace vaccination and observe SOPs. Our precious lives should be protected by ourselves.”