KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda is courting tourists from Southeast Asia, seeking to tap into the region’s vast market and boost its own tourism sector.
The East African nation aims to increase tourist arrivals from Asia through its ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “We want to show them what Uganda has to offer,” said Moses Kasujja. “We expect that the more these people come here, the more foreign exchange we’ll have.”
A group of 36 tour operators from ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia, are in Uganda for a familiarization tour and benchmarking exercise on the country’s tourism destinations.
Uganda’s tourism sector has grown in recent years, with the industry contributing significantly to the country’s economy. However, the sector still faces challenges, including limited infrastructure and marketing efforts.
The ASEAN tour operators expressed enthusiasm for Uganda’s unique tourism offerings, including its wildlife, natural scenery, and cultural heritage. “Ugandan tourism spots are very attractive,” said Joseph D.A. Vu, Deputy General Director of Bao Son Corp Vietnam. “We expect to learn from here so that we may organize tours to bring tourists from Vietnam and neighboring countries to Uganda.”
Ms. Masrura Idjal from the Association of Tours and Travel agency Indonesia (ASITA) said she hoped to take back home the things she sees on the trip that she can use to refer tourists to Uganda. “Uganda is my first African country after South Africa, Egypt and Morocco, but I’m a bit impatient to enjoy the nature, scenery and other things,” she said.
The Vice President of Thailand Travel Agents Association, Mr. Sitthichai Udomkitthanakul, said he hoped the visit will improve tourism relations between ASEAN countries and Uganda. “It’s our first time here in Uganda, on the invitation of the Ugandan ambassador to Malaysia to explore how beautiful and amazing Uganda is,” he said.
