This was accomplished during the United States Tour Operators Association Conference (USTOA) that took place in Austin, Texas, USA, from November 28 – December 2, 2022.
The USTOA is the leading association for tour operators, airlines, hotels and resorts, as well as tourism boards in the North American source market. The association’s buying power is estimated at US$19 billion worth of travel packages covering 9.8 million travelers and US$12.8 billion in goods and services purchased. For 50 years, USTOA has also been renowned for advocacy and education for its active and associate members.
During this year’s conference. Destination Uganda ‘s responsible tourism practices were recognized through the USTOA Future Lights program. Mr. Denis Nyambworo, philanthropy coordinator from Uganda, was recognized for his warm and empathetic commitment to community development through tourism. During his tenure, funds were raised to provide safe water, hot meals, and the construction of a primary school in the Bwindi Conservation Area renowned for the endangered mountain gorillas.
Ms. Yogi Birigwa, a member of the UTB Board, at the conference highlighted the importance of the North American market as key source market for Uganda. She reiterated the contribution of travel trade associations in lobbying for tourism development globally. She explained that the Board continues to network with leading tourism and travel trade partners in the market to highlight Uganda as a preferred travel destination.
“The global tourism sector recovery was at 60% with full recovery expected in 2023/2024,” she noted.
“A lot of efforts need to be channeled into marketing Uganda if the country is to benefit from its global share of visitors to the country.”
During the same event, the Uganda Tourism Board sponsored a private media press briefing. The briefing was led by UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova, and accompanied by Uganda private sector players. The ultimate roundtable media discussion was an opportunity for Uganda to share their latest updates on product development and the destination.
UTB sponsored a USTOA All Members Night Cap on December 2, 2022, bringing together over 800 tour operators during the “Explore Uganda” themed night to highlight the destination’s lifestyle and entertainment tourism.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of USTOA, Ajarova explained that Uganda has made significant strides in the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism practices in destination Uganda. She added that USTOA’s Future Lights program that recognized Mr. Nyambworo Dennis from Abercrombie & Kent is a clear manifestation of responsible tourism and its contribution to host communities.
The UTB delegation also interacted with potential tourism investors, travel trade partners, and media agents to position Uganda favorably in the core source market during the 4-day conference and market place.
(eTN):Destination Uganda promoted at USTOA conference | re-post license | post content