|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Trevor Lutalo
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) working with Emirates Airlines and the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi, has kicked off a Familiarization (FAM) trip aimed at enhancing the visibility of Uganda as a premier travel destination. This initiative, which began on 21st January 2025, brings together a delegation of eleven influential travel trade partners to explore Uganda’s world-class tourism offerings.
This FAM trip is a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Uganda Tourism Board and Emirates Airlines, which seeks to promote Uganda’s rich cultural, natural, and wildlife assets. One of the trip’s primary objectives is to give delegates a first-hand experience of Uganda’s iconic attractions, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world-renowned mountain gorillas.
The importance of the trip cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in showcasing Uganda to the international travel trade community, particularly key players from Emirates’ extensive global network. By giving these industry professionals an immersive experience of Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, the FAM trip is set to increase awareness and interest in the country’s diverse attractions, from its rich wildlife and cultural heritage to its stunning landscapes and adventure sports.
Ambassador Zaake Kibedi of Uganda’s UAE Embassy emphasised that this initiative is vital for strengthening ties between Uganda and the UAE, noting, “By showcasing Uganda’s exceptional tourism assets, we aim to build lasting partnerships that will bring more visitors to experience the Pearl of Africa.”
UTB’s Chief Executive Officer, Lilly Ajarova, also underlined the strategic value of the collaboration, stating, “The partnership between UTB and Emirates Airlines demonstrates our shared commitment to promoting Uganda as a must-visit destination. The FAM trip is a testament to the strategic importance of collaboration in enhancing connectivity and showcasing Uganda’s unique offerings to the world.”
Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda, Mohamed Taher, underlined the airline’s support for the FAM trip, noting that Uganda has become a beloved destination for travelers. He added, “We look forward to more international travelers from across our global footprint discovering this hidden gem.”
The FAM trip is not only crucial for strengthening Uganda’s tourism relationships but is also expected to directly contribute to growing international interest in the country as a sought-after travel destination. By cultivating relationships with top travel professionals and leveraging Emirates’ global reach, Uganda is poised to attract more visitors from around the world, further establishing itself as a key player in the African tourism market.
Uganda has in the past hosted different delegations to showcase Uganda’s beauty and business potential to investors, with the most recent being a delegation from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).