The Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda to Malaysia Mr Moses Kasujja has said the good relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Uganda is set to promote the development of the country’s tourism sector through increasing the number of tourists from Asia into the country.
“As a country, we want to show them what Uganda has to offer, we want them to promote Uganda as a tourist destination, the ASEAN region, which is made up of 10 countries, is still a virgin area, there are so many tourists, but it has not been tapped very well. So we decided to bring them down, so that they can promote Uganda to their people, we expect that the more these people come here, the more foreign exchange that we’ll be having” he said.
Mr Kasujja made the remarks at Entebbe International Airport on Monday while receiving 36 tour operators from Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Lao PDR , Vietnam and Malaysia under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who are in Uganda on a familiarization Tour and Benchmarking on Uganda’s Tourism Destinations.
“We want to have a long-term relationship with them, so that they can market Uganda as a tourist destination. We managed to get the top five per country, so that they can come here and see for themselves, during our operation that we are trying to forge from today, they will be knowing what exactly to sell to their people when they go back” he said.
The Deputy General Director Bao Son Corp Vietnam Mr Joseph D.A Vu said they hope the visit will increase the number of Vietnamese tourists to Uganda’s unique tourism spots.
“Ugandan tourism spots are very attractive, we are very excited to see the wildlife, animals, where tourists cruise, and we expect to learn from here so that we may organise tours to bring tourists from Vietnam and neighbouring countries to Uganda” he said.
Ms Masrura Idjal from the Association of Tours and Travel agency Indonesia (ASITA) said they hoped to take back home the things they see on the trip that they can use to refer tourists to Uganda.
“Uganda is my first African country after South Africa, Egypt and Morocco, but I’m a bit impatient to enjoy the nature, scenery and other things, we do hope that we can work together to bring Uganda to our country” she said.
The Vice President of Thailand Travel Agents Association Mr Sitthichai Udomkitthanakul said he hoped the visit will improve tourism relations between ASEAN countries and Uganda.
“It’s our first time here in Uganda, on the invitation of the Ugandan ambassador to Malaysia to explore how beautiful and amazing Uganda is, we are really interested in the Gorilla tracking and forest treks” he said.
