This five-day travel and trade networking workshop, taking place in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, aims to enhance cross-border tourism between Uganda and South Africa.
Organized by Afrireps Consult Limited in partnership with the South African High Commission and Uganda Airlines, the event attracted various tour and trade companies from both countries.
This initiative is particularly timely as Uganda strives to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in East Africa, showcasing unique offerings such as primate tracking, cultural experiences, and adventures along the Nile River.
Despite its diverse attractions, Uganda has faced challenges in drawing South African tourists in the past.
The Maonyesho Africa Roadshow seeks to address this issue by highlighting Uganda's tourism opportunities.
Jemimah Walugembe, Managing Director of Sites Travel Uganda, shared her positive outlook after engaging with South African tour operators.
“They were impressed by Uganda's offerings, especially our primates, cultural heritage, and Nile adventures,” she stated to the NilePost, noting that the new Johannesburg-Entebbe route by Uganda Airlines will make travel more accessible.
Walugembe stressed the importance of enhanced marketing and information dissemination to attract a larger number of South African visitors.
The workshop also considered the development of joint tour packages and discussed the East African Tourism Visa, which could encourage tourists to extend their travels from South Africa to Uganda.
Claire Mugabi, CEO of Afrireps Consult Limited, highlighted the roadshow's potential to foster new collaborations between the two nations.
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| Jemimah (left) and other fellow Ugandan Tour Operators interacting with South African tour operators. |
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| Ugandan tour operators with partners. |
“This event serves as a platform for South African tour operators and trade partners to build alliances, exchange knowledge, and create memorable experiences for travelers to both Uganda and South Africa,” she remarked.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, commended the roadshow for its alignment with Uganda’s overarching Economic and Commercial Diplomacy objectives.
“This initiative focuses on creating connections, promoting regional collaboration, and establishing enduring partnerships that facilitate cross-border travel,” he stated.
He also pointed out the possibility of expanding this initiative to include other Southern African countries, such as Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
The distinguished delegation, which featured representatives from the South Africa Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, and Uganda’s tourism industry, signifies a new era in the tourism relationship between the two countries.
With the potential for increased visitor numbers, extended stays, and higher spending, the roadshow is poised to enhance the economies of both nations.
As the roadshow progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to capitalize on collaborative opportunities, ensuring that Uganda’s tourism offerings receive enhanced visibility across the African continent.