The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in a bid to increase international tourism traffic entering Uganda, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Airlines to aid in the increase of tourists and other visitors to Uganda.
The MoU has been signed at the 31st Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6 to 9, 2024.
ATM is a single event that unites all travel sectors, aiming to grow leisure, luxury, and corporate travel.
Speaking during the signing of the MoU, UTB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lilly Ajarova said that the signing of the MoU with Emirates Airlines is a significant milestone in promoting Uganda, which is also known as a major tourism destination.
“The Uganda Tourism Board is excited to partner with Emirates to benefit from its vast network across the world and attract tourists to Uganda,” Lilly said.
On his side, Badr Abbas, the Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa at Emirates Airline, said that Uganda has been a key destination on their global network for over two decades and one of the most loved in Africa.
“Through this partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board, we are solidifying our commitment to driving international travellers to experience Uganda’s stunning natural landscapes, where some of the world’s most exotic wildlife roams free, thrilling adventure sports and activities, and, of course, the warm hospitality that characterises Ugandan culture,” Abbas remarked.
As part of the MoU, Emirates will target key markets to position Uganda as an attractive tourism destination and motivate tourists to explore its rich natural, cultural, and adventure offerings. The Uganda Tourism Board will collaborate with the airline to create initiatives for trade partners, hoteliers, and tour operators to bolster the tourism industry. The partnership will also include incentives, familiarisation trips, and marketing drives to increase tourism bookings in Uganda.
Also present at the signing of the MoU were Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, Zaake W. Kibedi, the Ugandan Ambassador to the UAE, and other distinguished officials.
