The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Enabel Uganda, have collaborated to Foster Sustainable tourism in Uganda.
Speaking at a press conference held at Serena Hotel in Kampala, UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova, noted that the partnership m will recognize stakeholders in the tourism value chain that are keen on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices in their business operations.
“Our partnership with Enabel focused on promoting sustainability – making places betters for people to live in and better places for people to visit. Tourism has the power to change travel, improve the living standards and contribute to the maintenance of natural heritage, and celebration of cultural diversity,”she said.
Ajarova added that the promotion of sustainability will bring Uganda to the achievement of the SDG but also point her to the rest of the Sustainable development Goals and the attainment of the NRM Manifesto and the NDP (III).
“We hope that the new partnership with Enabel Uganda will work to position Uganda among the top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in Africa,” she said.
She noted that through partners they have introduced the Fair Trade tourism.
Ajarova said that together with Enabel, UTB will host the Sustainability and Fair-Trade Awards on Saturday 25th May 2024 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre. At the event, which is the closing ceremony of the 8th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2024.
“We will recognize exhibitor that will showcase sustainability in their participation but also, the early adapters of the Fair Trade. We will look out for the best sustainable booths, sustainable tourism operations as well as how fair trade is weaved in the daily operations of the tourism enterprises,” she said.
Tom Vanneste, Enabel’s Country Representative in Uganda, highlighted the importance of tourism and mentioned that Enabel, with funding from the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium, will invest about Shs20 billion in tourism over the next five years.
