Tourism players front Uganda as best MICE destination

The deputy CEO UTB Bradford Ochieng says now is the perfect time to invest in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) industry in Uganda.

Speaking to the business delegations attending the African trade and investment Forum, a sideline event of the non-aligned movement, Ochieng mentions that with over 200,000 MICE delegates expected in the country in the middle term, development of convention centers presents lucrative opportunities.

Uganda has positioned herself as the best MICE destination in Africa with officials saying MICE tourism will go a long way in boosting hotel revenue and the economy in general.

A good MICE destination is one that offers visitors value outside of the event that they're traveling for.

Tourism infrastructure is looked at as being an essential element of a location's success, and the attractions and experiences on offer play a part in this.

An investor should look at providing i.e. the latest technology, sound, and lighting.

Other areas to pay attention to include modernizing and simplifying transportation in cooperation with the private sector not forgetting providing food services for different nationalities among other factors, Ochieng says.

Earlier Ms Lilly Ajarova,UTB CEO said this was a great time to showcase destination Uganda adding that they had packed different Tourism products for the over 100 delegates attending the summit.

In her welcome message to the visitors she mentions that Uganda is a beautiful country dotted with fresh water lakes and rivers, beautiful sceneries, unique tourism attractions, rich heritage and offers amazing business opportunities.

Our country’s rain-forests are a home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas with plenty of incredible flora and fauna, she adds.

“It is home to over 50% of the African bird species as well as the beautiful snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains situated astride the equator.

The trans-boundary mighty river Nile begins its journey right here in the Pearl of Africa. You can enjoy white water rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping on river Nile and Lake Victoria. Uganda is home to over 65 tribes with exciting culture to learn and experience.”

“I invite you to explore the natural wonders of this beautiful country and experience the diverse and unique culture that make it a truly special destination” Lilly says.

In the same breath Officials at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre are equally excited to host the NAM and G77 delegates.

UWEC is instrumental in conserving Uganda’s rich biodiversity with 67 species of animals and over 370 individual animals and a vast array of plant and tree species.

According to Eric Ntalumbwa, Public Relations Officer UWEC, the facility contributes to maintaining the country’s unique ecosystems by participating in the conservation of endangered species and promoting sustainable practices such as conserving and restoring natural habitats for wildlife, animal welfare, community involvement and waste management adding that these summits are an opportunity for UWEC to promote responsible tourism practices.

We have developed educational programs tailored for the delegates interested in learning about wildlife conservation in Uganda, he adds.