By David Isabirye; +256760510301
The vice President of Thailand Travel Agents Association Mr Sitthichai Udomkitthanakul confessed that their recent visit to Uganda will definitely improve the tourism relations between ASEAN countries and Uganda.
“It was our first time in Uganda, on the invitation of the Ugandan ambassador to Malaysia” Udomkitthanakul noted. “We were able to explore how beautiful and amazing Uganda is. We liked the Gorilla tracking a lot and the forest treks. This will surely improve the tourism relations between the ASEAN countries and Uganda” he added.
About 36 tour operators from Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Malaysia under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) visited Uganda on a familiarization Tour and Benchmarking on Uganda’s Tourism Destinations.
For a week period; they were able to traverse the different national parks as they witnessed first-hand, the special wonders of Uganda – its flora, fauna, foods, the people and cultures.
There was a special interaction with the Uganda tour operators who also learnt a great of lessons.
Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to Malaysia commended the delegation from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Uganda.
Dr Bigombe retaliated the essence of such a trip; “We are overwhelmed and delighted for the visit of a delegation of persons from the the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to Uganda. This has set the tone and will without doubt promote the development of the country’s tourism sector through increasing the number of tourists from Asia into the country.” Dr. Bigombe commented.
The Deputy General Director Bao Son Corp Vietnam Mr Joseph D.A Vu commented that this 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. We have learnt a lot from this trip and we expect to learn from here so that we may organize tours to bring tourists from Vietnam and neighbouring countries to Uganda” Boa remarked.
Ms Masrura Idjal from the Association of Tours and Travel agency Indonesia (ASITA) is humbled for the unique beauty of Uganda.
“This was my first time to visit Uganda. I had come to South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. The people are friendly, nature is amazing, the wildlife are amazing and hope to return” Idjal noted.
For starters, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a number of countries as Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Malaysia, Laos, Myanamar, Singapore, and Vietnam.
ASEAN was established in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Among ASEAN’s key goals entail promotion of economic and cultural exchange, maintaining peace and stability in South East Asia as well as establishing relationships with foreign powers having similar goals and objectives.
