KAMPALA – Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) officially launched the “Experience Uganda – First!” campaign, in what is the first time for Uganda to create and promote a travel package exclusively created for locals and residents of the Gulf Countries.
The campaign, which offers selected G.C.C. travel agencies unique travel holiday packages based on a number of themes along with complimentary airport transfers for their clients, was launched today at an event held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Dubai, attended by the Honorable Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Ugandan Ambassador to the UAE and IRENA, His Excellency Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi and members of the Ugandan Government and The Parliament.
The campaign promotes Destination Uganda – known also as the Pearl of Africa – as a premier adventure and nature holiday destination for families, groups, couples, and young adults, seeking travel experiences that create memories savored by visitors for a lifetime. Being home to the highest concentration of primates and birds in Africa, the special promotional holiday packages include guided safaris, River Nile boating excursions, unique mountain gorilla treks, wild chimpanzee encounters and pampering at luxury lodges and resorts.
Says Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Uganda Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities: “We are excited to showcase the very best that Uganda has to offer as a holiday destination for meaningful and sustainable travel. It is hoped that through these marketing efforts that more nationals and residents of the Gulf Countries will come to visit Uganda, see first-hand the exceptional natural and human resources and talent that makes Uganda so special, especially as a holiday destination.”
The Ugandan Ambassador to the UAE and IRENA, His Excellency Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi, added: “The Gulf Countries are a region of focus and commitment for Uganda going forward. To that end, the Uganda Tourism Board has established a representative office with AVIAREPS based in Dubai to cover the whole G.C.C. region. Various destination marketing activities, including this campaign launch, are being conducted in the region to make Uganda more accessible for travelers and travel agents alike, to ensure that Uganda becomes a ‘bucket list’ holiday destination that doesn’t disappoint.”
Many travel and nature enthusiasts from the Middle East are yet to visit and experience the Pearl of Africa. The Experience Uganda – First! The campaign was created to address this concern.
A number of holiday packages have been especially curated to cover themes such as trekking to encounter Mountain Gorillas, adventure with white water rafting trips down the River Nile, Safari trips to experience Uganda’s plethora of wildlife from the comfort and safety of 4-wheel vehicles, chimpanzee encounters, and even coffee tours to name a few. Four and five-star accommodation packages are also included, providing personalized service and pampering. The packages have been specially tailored to cater to the needs of visitors from the G.C.C. region, as well as for those traveling as couples, families, or with friends.
As part of its ongoing marketing activities in the region, the Uganda Tourism Board will also be launching an online training program for Middle East travel agents, in order for them to become experts in promoting Uganda to their clients, and a social media campaign under the hashtag #ExperienceUganda1st, whereby travelers are encouraged to visit the Pearl of Africa before their well-traveled social circle friends and acquaintances.
The campaign launch was attended by more than 50 of the UAE’s leading travel agencies and was attended by Uganda Tourism Board officials and a number of Uganda tour operator representatives. To kick off the launch, Ndere Troupe, a cultural dance Performance group from Uganda also entertained the audience, showcasing the cultural attractions Uganda has to offer.
