Martin Mugarra, the State Minister for Tourism Wildlife & Antiquities, is confident that digital innovations in the tourism sector will significantly increase the number of travelers and tourists visiting Uganda.
Mugarra emphasized that digital innovations have the potential to bridge the information gap in the industry, stating, “Individuals planning to visit or travel to Uganda can easily access all the necessary information online through the innovative platforms that have been established.”
Furthermore, Mugarra highlighted the convenience of these digital solutions, noting, “Even if you are in Kampala, you can simply go online and discover which places to visit and spend your time.”
Mugarra made these remarks during the launch of Tour Plug, an online platform that connects tour operators with the general public.
The website, accompanied by a mobile app, not only provides information but also serves as a marketplace for tour operators and travel enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the lessons learned during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mugarra encouraged individuals involved in the tourism business to embrace digital innovations and join the platform.
The minister’s views align with those expressed by the president during the State of the Nation Address.
The president stated, “The government will leverage modern ICT (online) technologies to enhance digital destination marketing and will enforce tourism standards through a rigorous licensing system for service providers in the sector.”
Meanwhile, Ajena Jafar, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Tour Plug, described the platform as a marketplace that connects tour operators, travelers, accommodation facilities, and other service providers.
“Tour Plug eliminates the need for individuals to search for travel options on social media. Now, they can simply log into the website and find their desired travel destinations,” Jafar explained.
He further added that the platform will streamline business operations throughout the tourism value chain, making it more convenient for all stakeholders involved.