The State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Godfrey Kiwanda Ssubi has said that more Australian tourists and prospective investors to Uganda are expected to double in the near future.
While meeting the Executive Director of Australia-Uganda Natural Resources Initiative Jo Wigg at his office on Tuesday, the Minister was briefed how the country’s tourism potential has not been marketed well in a vast country like Australia.
“I am happy that you (Jo Wigg) are interested in partnering with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure more Australian tourists and investors visit Uganda because Uganda is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, I want to assure you of my full support,” Minister Kiwanda assured JoWigg.
Ms. Wigg, a friend of Uganda since 2013, has visits annually successfully showcasing locals and Australians around Uganda. An experienced travel guide herself, having lead groups of up to 40 tourists around Australia and Uganda in the past, this relationship with Ministry is a turning point for positive growth.
Due to her success in promoting Uganda, Jo is a sought after guest speaker in Australia promoting Ugandan experiences, opportunities, and partnerships and is currently targeting “friends of Uganda” kind of tourists who will not visit the country once but come over and over and those willing to invest in Uganda.
By tailoring travel to customer needs, a unique insight into Wildlife destinations, Culture, The Arts and Food experiences, life-changing projects, and fun, Jo has happy Australians wishing to return. In doing so the contribute by supporting to marginalized groups, local organisations, and associations in established Tourist areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Jinja.
Wigg explained that starting this year in September she will be leading a group of tourists from Australia to Uganda.
“I am targeting to bring in such tourists who will be able to appeal to other people to visit Uganda as well as those willing to invest in Uganda and those who will be able and interested,” Wigg explained.
On Thursday, February 23, the Minister is expected to officially launch the partnership at Uganda Media Center where Wigg shall be handed a Ugandan flag to be the official tourism ambassador for Uganda in Australia.
Kiwanda is expected to fly to Australia in the middle of the year to further market Uganda’s tourism potential in Australia and express Uganda’s support for Jo Wigg and A-UNRI team.
Tourism is the leading country’s export and earns Uganda billions in foreign exchange per year.
By Isaac Kisubi
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