UTB, Emirates sign MoU to stimulate inbound tourism

Hanifar Samula

UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova, and Badr Abbas, the airline's Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa signed the MoU in the presence of other officials (Photo by Hanifar Samula).

KAMPALA, May 14, 2024 – The Uganda Tourism Board [UTB] has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates to drive inbound tourism and boost visitors to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.

The partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to the market by attracting visitors from across its global network of more than 130 passenger destinations, as Uganda aims to become a premier tourist destination.

The MoU was signed by Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa and Lilly Ajarova, CEO of UTB in the presence of Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, along with Zaake Kibedi, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the UAE, and other senior officials.

Abbas said, “Uganda has been a key destination on our global network for over two decades and one of the most loved in Africa. Through this partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board, we are solidifying our commitment to driving international travelers to experience Uganda’s stunning natural landscapes, where some of the world’s most exotic wildlife roams free, thrilling adventure sports and activities and, of course, the warm hospitality that characterises Ugandan culture.”

On her part, Ajarova said, “The signing of this MoU is a significant milestone in promoting Uganda, which is also affectionately known as the Pearl of Africa, as a competitive tourism destination.” She added that “ Uganda Tourism Board is excited to partner with Emirates to benefit from its vast network across the world and attract tourists to Uganda.”

Under the MoU, Emirates will identify key markets to promote Uganda as a favourable tourism destination and encourage travelers to experience its abundant natural, cultural and adventure attractions. UTB will in turn work closely with the airline to develop programmes for trade partners, hoteliers and tour operators to market and stimulate the industry. Both partners will explore incentives, familiarisation trips and other marketing initiatives to stimulate tourism bookings in Uganda.

Uganda’s tourism sector is undergoing a renaissance, with initiatives to attract more international tourists and create thousands of employment opportunities as the country aims to become a premier destination on the global map. The partnership between Emirates and the Uganda Tourism Board supports the next chapter of transformation, increasing the visibility and competitiveness of Uganda as a tourism destination.

Emirates first began operations in Uganda in March 2000 with a linked flight via Nairobi. Over the next 24 years, the airline steadily scaled up its operations, delinking the flights and launching a daily direct Dubai-Entebbe route. Since the inaugural fight, Emirates has carried over 2.63 million passengers, between Entebbe and Dubai.

Beyond commercial operations, Emirates has also invested in Ugandan communities with medical and engineering missions through the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline’s non-profit organisation, which aims to improve the quality of life, regardless of geographical, political, or religious boundaries.

https://thecooperator.news/nam-g77-summits-to-boost-ugandas-tourism-as-govt-allocates-shs-53-6-bln-for-preparations/

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