The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has partnered with Enabel, Belgium’s development agency, to position Uganda as a top sustainable tourism destination.
Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of UTB, stated that as part of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) scheduled for May 23-25 at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, the partnership with Enabel will focus on promoting sustainability. This aims to make places better for residents and more attractive for visitors.
“Tourism has the power to change, travel, improve living standards, and contribute to maintaining natural and cultural heritage and diversity. We strongly believe that promoting sustainability will help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the NRM manifesto and the National Development Plan III,” she said.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.
Ajarova emphasized that sustainability can only be achieved if everyone takes personal responsibility. “It’s not about pointing at others. It has to start with us as individuals. Responsibility drives sustainability. In 2020, the top 20 destinations in the world included the Nordic countries, Germany, and France, which are also top source markets for destination Uganda,” she added.
“We hope the new partnership with Enabel Uganda will position Uganda among the top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in Africa.”
Additionally, Ajarova announced that during POATE 2024, UTB and Enabel will host the Sustainability and Fair Trade Awards on Saturday, May 25. The awards will recognize exhibitors showcasing sustainability and early adopters of fair trade practices.
“We will look for the best sustainable booths, sustainable tourism operations, and innovative companies showcasing at POATE, as well as those integrating fair trade into their daily operations,” she noted.
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.
“We hope to create over 5,000 jobs for youth and work with more than 100 private sector companies in the tourism sector. Our support focuses on three areas: skilling, marketing Uganda for both domestic and international tourism, and ensuring the jobs created are good jobs,” he said.
Allen Ampaire from Kampala Serena Hotel discussed their efforts to enhance sustainability by reducing plastic use and adopting to glass bottles. “We need to protect our environment. We are cutting down on plastics, which have been harmful environmentally, socially, and economically. Additionally, we have been planting trees as a brand and maintaining a forest in the city,” she explained.
Ajarova also mentioned that the current tourism policy aims at positioning Uganda as a sustainable tourism destination. “Progress has been slow, but increased awareness and providing alternatives, will help. Businesses need to create sustainable options,” she concluded.