The newly appointed Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), Chief Executive Officer Muhereza Kyamutetera has highlighted key plans for the sector, top of which is the acceleration of post-Covid recovery.
UTA is the umbrella organisation that brings together all tourism trade associations in Uganda.
The association also exists to provide a forum where private sector member associations can advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainable tourism development in Uganda.
As CEO, Kyamutetera will drive UTA’s purpose and vision⏤ building a professional, competitive, thriving and inclusive tourism sector for our member associations, thereby sustainably contributing to Uganda’s national development agenda.
Kyamutetera, whose tenure starts on October 1, 2024 said his first task will be to carry out a survey among all stakeholders to get an understanding of what their immediate issues are.
“Once we have that, we will realign them with the existing strategy based on the issues pressing the sector, ” he told this website on Saturday.
“However, from Bank of Uganda statistics, the tourism sector has the highest ratio of non performing loans to gross loans. That suggests that there are some businesses that are still hard pressed by Covid. We shall then be looking at how we can accelerate post Covid recovery and return to our own strategy of growth,” he added.
This can be done through, among others, increased promotion of Destination Uganda around the world.
“We need to attract more foreign visitors because in reality this is the tourism cash cow. I am excited to infuse my professional experience with my passionate love for Destination Uganda and look forward to being an essential bridge between the private sector, the government, and our development partners as we jointly work to increase the volume and value of tourism to Uganda and ultimately increase tourism enterprise revenues and household incomes.”
According to UTA president Yewagnesh Biriggwa, the association is thrilled to have Mr Kyamutetera onboard at this critical time when the sector is still reeling from the post-COVID-19 effects.
“We are excited about the fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets he brings to UTA and the industry, where he is no stranger. The appointment of a CEO is one of the critical milestones our new board set for itself in the first 100 days since we were voted into office on June 20, 2024,” she said.
About the Uganda Tourism Association
Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) is the umbrella organisation that brings together all tourism trade associations in Uganda. It is the private sector’s voice in the tourism industry and includes 9 members and two affiliates.
The members include; The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), Uganda Hotel Owners’ Association (UHOA), The Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA), Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA), The Association of Ugandan Women in Tourism Trade (AUWOTT), The National Arts and Cultural Crafts Association (NACCAU), The Hotel General Managers Association of Uganda (HOGMAU) and The Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry (UACII).
The affiliated members of the Uganda Tourism Association include; Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board (BHTB) and Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF).
The 11 associations collectively represent tour operators, travel agents, accommodation facilities, tour guides, community-based organisations, cultural organisations, events and conference organisers, as well as arts and crafts, representing more than 2000 enterprises in the tourism sector
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