A riveting survey into Uganda’s evolving hospitality sector by Jovago.com, Africa’s leading hotel online booking platform, has revealed the latest traveller trends across the country.
“Uganda has the potential to grow into one of the best tourist locations in Africa,” Paul Midy, the CEO of Jovago. “We aim to make travel easy by offering the largest choice of hotels throughout the country. We are happy to thus contribute in unveiling its many beauties for the travellers,” he added.
The report explains the tourism and hospitality sector’s direct contribution to 10 % of Uganda’s GDP (almost US$ 2 billion) and explains the national plan for boosting tourism arrivals in the coming years.
“Last year, Uganda received 50 % more visitors than 2007, while more than 1,300 000 foreign tourists visited the country in 2014. The tourism sector has grown and the world is looking to Uganda as a top destination,” said Stephen Asiimwe, CEO Uganda Tourism Board.
Jovago, a web-based hotel booking service for Uganda, was well placed to explain how digital platforms are becoming increasingly important for the sector. The nation’s leading marketer of hotels, lodges and guest houses offered statistical insights into online hospitality searches and booking trends.
The report also included exclusive interviews with Stephen Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board and Amos Wekesa, Founder of the Great Lakes Safari & Uganda Lodges Limited.
Louis Badea, Jovago’s country manager of Uganda states in the report, “Uganda has everything it takes to succeed and has become one of the most preferred destinations in Africa. Indeed, several activities can be done here including gorilla trekking, game driving, water sports, entertainment, etc. Besides, the infrastructure (roads, electricity, internet coverage, etc.) are consistently improving.”
The report was officially launched at the Jovago Tourism Meet, held at Fairway Hotel on Thursday. Amongst the speakers were Mr. Badea, Stephen Masaba, the Business Development Manager of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Sylvia Kalembe the Chief Tourism Information Officer at Uganda Tourism Board, and Jean Byamugisha, the Director of Uganda Hotel Owners Association.
Michael Niyitegeka led the discussion about harnessing the technology potential to promote Ugandan tourism. He pointed out the fact that Uganda’s tourism websites are not mobile compartible and that they do not care to update regularly. Olive Nakiyemba, a travel blogger also shared her experiences travelling the country and generating content on her blog about Uganda.
