Stephen Ilungole
21 June 2004
Kampala — THE tourism industry will have a chance to showcase its products when the African Travel Association (ATA) holds its eighth cultural and eco-tourism symposium and launch ATA Uganda Chapter in October.
"We believe Africa's turn has come. It has everything to offer. There is no reason why it can't benefit from the booming global tourism," ATA's Jane Thompson said in an interview in Mweya Safari Lodge at the weekend.
Thompson is part of ATA delegation on site inspection of some of the tourism products and meet various stakeholders as part of the preparations for the highly rated October function.
"We have had direct interest in Uganda. But the Whitaker Group specifically made our dream come true. We are so excited with everything we have so far seen," she said. "We are getting things go at our own pace which isn't the case with most African countries," she said.
ATA is an international organisation which promotes tourist attractions in Africa. It educates and trains interested travel agents, meeting and conference planning, group tour organisers and incentive companies about the products and services offered by the tourism industry in Africa. It also publishes the popular Africa Travel Magazine.
Thompson said the eco-tourism symposium would help Uganda learn from other ATA partners, earn forex, network, showcase herself and products and get recognition as one of the accessible tourism destinations. It will also be able to know one-on-one basis what happens from other ATA partners. Delegates are expected from Africa, Europe, US and Asia.
She said, "eco-tourism was a critical component because if you don't conserve, you will lose your products."
She said the learning experience would be important to travel agents. Delegates will take home experience of what they have learnt about Uganda's products. They will provide direct contacts between the local Chapter and the rest of the other Chapters, Thompson said.
She, however, warned, "the success will depend on the tourism ministry.
"We feel the timing is good because we haven't had the opportunity to showcase Uganda to other tourism partners. It coincides very well with the changing travel trends. It is a great time for Africa," Marlene Melton president of African Ventures Inc, USA said. She said Uganda had much to offer in tourism "but proactive promotion is required."
Susan Muhwezi, the special presidential assistant said tourism was in line with President Yoweri Museveni's initiative to eradicate poverty.
"The Discovery Channel documentary showcased Uganda but more initiatives like ATA are ll required," she said.
to have maximum benefits. We are determined to make ATA Uganda Chapter a success," Muhwezi said.
She said ATA initiatives were good for Uganda, adding "both the public and private sector should participate."
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