BY K MALE: The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has announced a strategic partnership with the Belgian development agency ENABEL to enhance sustainable tourism in Uganda. This collaboration aims to make the country’s tourism sector more vibrant and internationally competitive by incorporating economic, environmental, and social considerations into all aspects of tourism.
Lilly Ajarova, Chief Executive Officer of UTB, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our partnership with ENABEL is focused on sustainability, making places better for people to live in and better for people to visit.” She highlighted that tourism not only boosts social-economic well-being but also supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 8 (decent work and economic growth), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 14 (life below water).
Despite the global preference for sustainable tourism, the concept is not yet deeply embedded in Uganda’s tourism industry. This new initiative with ENABEL aims to change that by promoting practices that ensure the longevity of tourism sites, environmental protection, and the well-being of all stakeholders, including tourists.
Ajarova revealed that the partnership will introduce Fair Trade Tourism in Uganda, a new concept championed by ENABEL. The UTB will host the sustainability and Fair Trade awards at the upcoming Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2024 (POATE) to recognize early adopters of these principles.
ENABEL’s resident representative in Uganda, Tom Vanneste, noted that his organization has been supporting Uganda’s tourism sector since 2014. He announced a new support package worth 20 billion shillings aimed at creating up to 5,000 jobs and working with over 100 private companies. This initiative will focus on skilling 3,000 youths through short courses certified by the Directorate of Industrial Training and aggressively marketing Uganda as a top tourist destination.
Vanneste explained, “Those companies that treat their workers well, with good wages and conditions, will be awarded certificates. This will help tourists choose hotels and improve workers’ conditions.”
The support from ENABEL is expected to significantly improve job quality and workplaces in the tourism sector. The awards ceremony at the end of POATE will celebrate these achievements and further promote sustainable tourism practices in Uganda.
This partnership marks a significant step towards making Uganda a preferred destination for eco-conscious and high-value tourists, promising substantial benefits for the local economy and communities.