Key players in Uganda’s and Ethiopian tourism sectors have committed to support each other towards the promotion of the tourism industry in both countries.
In a meeting held at the Ethiopian Embassy Kampala between officials from the Ethiopian Government and representatives from the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), the participants discussed several measures which can be put into consideration to promote their tourist attraction sites as a single destination.
H.E Alemtsehay Meseret, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, promised that they are going to ensure that they link interested tour operators from Uganda to their counterparts in Ethiopia with a view of promoting tourism at cultural sites in both countries.
“The tourism sector in both countries is complimentary to each other because they all have different unique physical features and cultural sites which can create a memorable experience on everybody’s mind,” Meseret said.
Some of the Ugandan tour operators tasting Ethiopian food under the guidance of H.E Alemtsehay Meseret.
She added that they are looking forward to taking some of the Ugandan tour operators to Ethiopia to practically visit some of the tourist attractions so that they can be able to promote what they have experienced.
“I am already promoting Ugandan tourism industry starting with all the foreign visitors I receive. I always advise them to visit at least one tourism site while in Uganda and on the other side, as people apply for visas to Ethiopia we also ask them to spare some time and visit the tourists attraction there,” she added.
Meseret Tsegaye, the Ethiopian Airlines Area Manager (Uganda) revealed that as one of the means of promoting the relationship between the two countries, they have put in place special offers to people traveling from Uganda to Ethiopia.
Sisay Getachew, a senior tourism expert from the Ministry of Tourism of Ethiopia, introduced the mesmerizing Ethiopian tourism destinations that could be packaged by Ugandan tour operators.
He also explained that “the land of origins” as Ethiopia is usually referred to as, is a national tourism brand that emanated from the spirit of originality; being the origin of mankind, the origin of Coffee, source of the only African Alphabet and the source of African inspiration for independence, among others.
Some of the Ethiopian foods showcased at the event.
He urged tour operators in Uganda and Ethiopia to build a business relationship and promote the region as a single destination and exploit tourism as a tool for regional integration.
H.E. Seleshi Girma, a State Minister at the Ministry of Tourism of Ethiopia, reaffirmed commitment to transform the tourism sector in Ethiopia such as easing the tourist visa process, connecting Ethiopia with Africa and beyond through Ethiopian Airlines efficiently, reopening the closed tourist destinations as well as the newly developed and the upcoming high-class tourist destinations in the country.
