Despite a 45-day shutdown of one of Dubai International Airport’s two runways for maintenance, the number of travellers utilising the airport nearly quadrupled during the second quarter. The world’s busiest international airport handled 14.2 million passengers in the three months to the end of June, up almost 191 percent year on year, continuing growth for nine straight quarters since the start of the coronavirus epidemic, state-owned operator Dubai Airports said on Wednesday.

The airport’s resurgence, which serves as the hub for long-haul carrier Emirates, coincides with a robust rebound in foreign traffic. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), international traffic increased by approximately 230 percent year on year in June, aided by the relaxation of travel restrictions in most Asia-Pacific regions. Passenger volumes more than doubled to 27.9 million in the first half of the year, according to Dubai Airports, compared to the same period last year. This is 1.2 million fewer than the previous year’s total annual traffic at the airport.

The airport exceeded 67.5 percent of its pre-pandemic passenger throughput in the first half of 2019. Despite “unprecedented challenges” and “macroeconomic factors” affecting the global economy and tourism sector, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) reported 7.12 million international visitors in the first half of 2022, nearly three times the 2.52 million recorded in the same period the previous year.

Dubai Airports now anticipates 62.4 million passengers in 2022, up from an earlier figure of 58.3 million in May. DXB remained India’s leading source country in terms of passenger counts, with traffic hitting 4 million passengers in the first half of the year, fueled mostly by key metropolitan destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Saudi Arabia came in second with 2 million passengers, followed by the United Kingdom with 1.9 million.

The top three destinations were London (1.3 million passengers), Riyadh (910,000 passengers), and Mumbai (760,000 passengers). Despite the disruption, huge queues, and delayed luggage at major European and American airports, DXB stated that 96% of travelers waited less than five minutes at the exit passport control.

The average wait time at the security checkpoint on departure was less than three minutes for 97 percent of all passengers. Cargo volumes for the first six months of the year declined roughly 19% year on year to 910,075 tonnes in the air freight market. According to Dubai Airports, DXB’s cargo traffic suffered during the second quarter as major freight operators returned to Dubai World Central (DWC) in March.

Furthermore, overall cargo volumes were impacted by a lower capacity during the northern runway restoration operation, which ran from May 9 to June 22, because a large amount of cargo traffic at DXB is carried in the belly-hold of passenger aircraft, according to the report.

Source: WION

Dubai attracted 7.12 million international overnight visitors between January and June 2022, recording more than 183% growth in visitors compared to the 2.52 million tourists who visited Dubai during the same period in 2021, according to latest data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

This positive trend in H1 2022 places the city firmly on track to achieve its tourism goals for 2022 and beyond, and further reinforces its position as an international destination of choice.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the city of the future and the world’s best place to live, work and invest in has resulted in a resurgence of Dubai’s tourism sector. The growth in tourists reflects the resilience and dynamism of the emirate’s economy. His Highness’s vision has helped Dubai create a strong and stable economic foundation and a dynamic business ecosystem, enabling it to become a leading global hub for diverse sectors. The rapid rise in international tourist arrivals puts Dubai on track to achieve its ambitious target of becoming the world’s most visited destination. In the years ahead, Dubai will continue to develop itself further as a destination that offers compelling value to international travellers.”

The number of tourists recorded in H1 2022 was close to the numbers achieved in the first six months of 2019, which saw 8.36 million tourists arriving in Dubai. The emirate’s ability to quickly return to near pre-pandemic tourism levels is even more remarkable given the impact of unprecedented challenges and other macroeconomic factors on the global economy and tourism sector.

Regional market share

From a regional perspective, Western Europe accounted for a significant share of tourist arrivals, comprising 22% of total international visitors in the first six months of 2022. MENA and GCC continued to make an impact, collectively contributing 34% of total international visitors and highlighting Dubai’s strong appeal to visitors from surrounding markets as a trusted and preferred destination. These regions were followed closely by South Asia with a share of 16% and Russia, CIS and Eastern Europe together accounting for 11% of total visitors in H1 2022.

The wide geographic spread reflects Dubai’s diversified strategy aimed at driving traffic from a broad spectrum of countries and visitor segments, mitigating the risks associated with over-reliance on any one region, and underscoring the success of destination marketing campaigns delivering customized messaging across specialized audience-specific platforms.

World’s highest hotel occupancy levels

The wide range of hotel establishments in Dubai presented yet another stellar performance across all hospitality metrics during the first half of 2022.

Average occupancy for the hotel sector between January and June 2022 stood at 74%, one of the world’s highest, compared to 62% in H1 2021, a difference of 12 percentage points and just short of the 76% occupancy level registered during the pre-pandemic period of H1 2019.

This is particularly noteworthy as it was achieved in spite of a +19% increase in room capacity over the same period in 2019. Dubai’s hotel inventory by the end of June 2022 comprised 140,778 rooms open at 773 hotel establishments, compared to 118,345 rooms available at the end of June 2019 across 714 establishments. Meanwhile, the total number of hotels in H1 2022 marked an 8% growth over H1 2021, highlighting continued strong investor confidence in Dubai’s tourism sector.

The hotel sector outperformed pre-pandemic levels across all other key measurements – Occupied Room Nights, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR). Dubai hotel establishments delivered a combined 18.47million occupied room nights during the first six months of the year, a +30.4% YoY growth, and a +18% increase over the pre-pandemic period of H1 2019, which yielded 15.71 million occupied room nights.

In addition, the ADR of AED567 in the first half of the year surpassed the ADRs for both H1 2021 (AED382) and 2019 (AED444), with 48.5% and 28% YoY growth, respectively. The robust performance of the hotel sector is also evident in RevPAR growth – a surge of over 76% compared to the first six months of 2021 (AED417 v AED237) and an increase of 24% over the pre-pandemic period in 2019 (RevPAR of AED336).

According to hotel analytics firm STR, Dubai ranks No.3 globally on RevPAR (US$147), after Paris (US$195) and New York (US$172).

Dubai’s enduring global appeal

The latest data demonstrate Dubai’s enduring appeal as a must-visit destination, further validating Dubai’s ranking as the No.1 global destination in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2022. It also remains one of the most sought-after cities for international travel, business and events at a time when the majority of global destinations have reopened for tourism.

The highly encouraging industry performance is primarily attributed to the hugely successful six-month long Expo 2020 Dubai, which attracted over 24 million visits by the time it concluded on 31 March this year, as well as the continued support extended by both domestic and global partners in showcasing Dubai as a multi-faceted destination that is safe, open and accessible.

A host of festivals, leisure and business events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, Gulfood, and the Dubai World Cup. The World Government Summit, Binance Blockchain Week, Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, Gulfood, Dubai International Boat Show and the Arabian Travel Market also contributed to the growth.

Global campaigns take Dubai to the world

Apart from the host of global gatherings and events showcasing the diversity of the destination’s offering, Dubai continues to engage global audiences through international campaigns and in-market trade activities that highlight it as a destination of choice. This includes the ‘Dubai Presents’ campaign, which promotes the city’s attractions through a series of movie-style trailers featuring stars from both Hollywood and Bollywood.

Marketing activities in key international markets have also been enhanced to showcase the city as the summer destination of choice, particularly through a rewarding ‘Stay More, Pay Less’ summer campaign to attract travelers and families to Dubai, in addition to driving traffic to the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises festival.

Source: Government of Dubai Media Office 

As if football fanatics didn’t have enough reasons to get excited about visiting the Middle East for FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar later this year, Dubai is all set to leave them even more thrilled. The emirate is opening its first ever football-themed hotel where fans can base themselves during the championship and be shuttled in and out of Doha for the day.

NH Dubai The Palm is launching in November 2022 on the western side of The Palm Jumeirah. Strategically located near some of the country’s top tourist hotspots, the luxury resort will host soccer fans that are scheduled to fly between Dubai and Doha throughout the tournament. There’s an increased demand of accommodation in the UAE from international football fans in recent weeks. The Expat Sport travel agency’s “Football Fans Dubai Experience” will provide a package that includes transportation to and from the airport.

“There will be international fans who are coming to this region for the first time, so being in a relaxed environment with other like-minded individuals in a stunning location on The Palm should make this an enjoyable and unforgettable holiday,” said Sue Holt, executive director of Expat Sport.

NH Dubai The Palm is, therefore, offering a great opportunity to foreign fans spend time in a laidback, luxurious setting with other like-minded guests. The 533-key hotel offers exquisite views of the Arabian Sea, Marina skyline, the iconic Burj Al Arab, and the Dubai Eye. It also has an infinity pool, a wellness centre, a lounge, direct access to the beach, and a sports bar — where you can feel the real thrill of the live football matches on screen. 

The hotel will offer welcome and hospitality packages and discounts to single-day visitors to Doha, along with shuttle services to official fan zones such as Dubai Harbour, Coca-Cola Arena, and Football Park. The welcome packages range from four, eight, and 12 nights, including daily buffet breakfast and one-, two- and three-day return flights, respectively.

At the NH Dubai The Palm, hospitality packages include match tickets. The packages begin at around USD 952 (INR74,842) for a group match, including food, beverages, and stadium parking. At USD 4,900 (INR3,85,216) for a group match, you get Pearl Lounge seat for each, a six-course meal, cocktails, various entertainment, and a dedicated concierge service. For the ultimate immersive experience, go for the stadium suite with private dining at approximately USD 22,557 (INR17,73,329)!

Holt says, “This is a completely new addition to the Dubai hospitality landscape. We are collaborating with the official partners of the FIFA World Cup to make this a unique and immersive experience for our guests.”

Source: Traveldine

Hoteliers across Dubai are seeing a surge in room bookings ahead of the Qatar World Cup 2022, with many expecting to be at full capacity during the football festival.

With less than four months to go before fans descend on the region, with many planning to use neighboring countries to Qatar – including the UAE – as a base to travel to and from tournaments, hotels are expecting a bumper spell in tourism.

As one of the UK’s largest hotel brands with a growing number of hotels in the Middle East, Premier Inn is gearing up for an influx of guests at its 11 properties in the UAE and Qatar.

Simon Leigh, managing director of Premier Inn MENA, told Al Arabiya English: “The World Cup, which falls during the peak travel season for inbound tourists, will be another boost for the tourism and hospitality sectors, and will further establish the UAE and the wider region as a world-leading destination for visitors from across the globe.”

He continued: “Premier Inn hotels will be a hive of activity – in terms of overnight accommodation and people watching the games at our food and beverage outlets – during the tournament. While the event itself is in Qatar, the UAE will be a key hub for fans, be they ticket-holders traveling on shuttle flights to the games or tourists and residents using the UAE as a base to soak up the atmosphere locally.”

He also said the company is seeing increasing demand for bookings at all hotels locations, including the recently opened Premier Inn Barsha Heights, where occupancy for the World Cup period is already at 70 percent.

“As always, there’s also a big appetite for our airport hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where guests are booking accommodation before their flight or for when they arrive in the country,” Leigh added.

Saad al-Ghamdi is complex director of sales and marketing for a host of Dubai hotels, including Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Le Meridien Fairway, Aloft Dubai Airport, Aloft Al Mina, Element Dubai Airport, and Element Al Mina.

These hotels are also preparing to welcome an influx of supporters.

“We’ve already seen a surge in room searches for November over recent weeks and we expect a large volume of ticket holders to base themselves in Dubai throughout the FIFA World Cup,” al-Ghamdi said. “With four of our properties being within such close proximity to the airport we’re confident we’ll see a rise in group and transient bookings for those who wish to use the match day shuttle services provided by regional airlines.”

Bumper boom in final quarter of 2022

Analytic firm Colliers in its latest MENA Hotel Forecast suggests a bumper boom for the tourism industry in the UAE during the final quarter of 2022.

Hotels in Dubai Creek and Festival City are expected to see the biggest increase in occupancy rates since 2021, up 19 percent to an estimated 77 percent for the year.

At Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills, general manager Siddhartha Sattanathan expects events other than just the Qatar World Cup 2022 to lead to mass group bookings at the hotel.

“Besides the World Cup, we are also looking to capitalize on demand generated for other leading events tied to other sports like Golf, F1, & Rugby,” he told Al Arabiya English. “And let’s not forget that the month has traditionally always been one of the busiest months for inbound tourism over the years given the pleasant weather conditions that we enjoy.”

More than 1.2 million World Cup tickets sold

This week, organizers revealed that more than 1.2 million tickets have been sold for Qatar’s 2022 football World Cup.

The most recent phase of ticket sales, a random selection draw, closed at the end of April with 23.5 million ticket requests coming in largest numbers from Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the US, according to FIFA, world football’s governing body.

A total of two million tickets will be available during the 28-day tournament in November and December, said Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary general of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

The next opportunity to purchase World Cup tickets will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but the date has not been announced.

World Cup qualification matches have now concluded and all 32 available slots for the tournament have been secured.

Qatar hopes to attract 1.2 million visitors during the World Cup, nearly half of its population.

Source: Al Arabiya News

Dubai is to cancel fees imposed on airline agents and offices, in a resolution issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

In the Resolution No. (32) of 2022 it “cancels fees levied on airline agents and their branches, and airline offices operating in the emirate, which were imposed pursuant to regulations issued on 12th March 1985 and Resolution No. (4) of 1998.”

The new Resolution is effective from its date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

The move by Sheikh Hamdan will support the travel industry which has suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent downturn in tourism.

However, travel has started to rebound from the impact of the Covid pandemic, and Emirates airline is preparing for its busiest period yet.

The UAE’s flagship airline is expecting more than 550,000 travellers to fly out from the UAE between June and July on more than 2,400 weekly network-wide departures.

The airline has continued to add flights and frequencies where possible as it ramps up its summer schedule.

Emirates will be operating at close to 80 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity, or more than one million weekly seats, this summer, to serve demand.

Daily booking volumes are accelerating as summer holidays draw closer, and Emirates is urging customers who haven’t planned their holidays or made travel arrangements to get ahead and book now to ensure they are able to travel on their preferred dates and flights.

This year, travellers from the UAE will be heading to Emirates’ six UK destinations, Cairo, Amman, Emirates’ nine Indian points, Manila and Beirut.

Leisure travel traffic from the UAE will also be at an all-time high, with scores of travellers, mainly families and couples, making their way to Bangkok, Istanbul, Vienna, Zurich, Nice, Phuket, Singapore, Oslo, Kuala Lumpur, Brisbane and the west coast of the US for extended summer holidays.

Source: Arabian Business

As the world’s busiest airport, Dubai International (DXB) might be a sight in itself, but there’s a whole world of wonder waiting outside its doors. Whether you’re staying for a few hours or overnight, plan ahead to find out everything you need to know to make your stopover in Dubai as smooth as possible.

First off, how do I book a stopover?

Adding a break in your journey in Dubai couldn’t be simpler. If you’re flying with Emirates Airline, you can easily book a stopover in Dubai and they will take care of everything, starting with a meet and greet at the airport to 24-hour check-in, tours, excursions and more. Once you’ve purchased your flight, you’ll need to contact your local Emirates office or travel agent to make the arrangements. They will also help with visas if required.

Additionally, there are a number of local travel agents who can assist with your stopover, hassle-free. Talk to them about adding a break in your journey to Dubai and arranging your visa. To be eligible for a transit visa, travellers must have a confirmed hotel booking for the duration of their stay, as well as a confirmed flight ticket departing from Dubai, within the duration of their transit.

I’ve just arrived – can I still book?

If you’ve just arrived and want to explore Dubai before heading to your next destination, you can do that too. Travellers can apply for transit visas directly at the airport, subject to immigration approval and security clearance.

Alternatively, Emirates offers special ‘Stopovers on Arrival’ packages that are on sale exclusively at the ‘Hotels & Visas for Dubai’ desk at Dubai International. You’ll find it in the Arrivals area, prior to Passport Control/Immigration.

Do I need a visa to visit Dubai?

Visitors from most countries are allocated a 30-day visit visa on arrival to Dubai, which is free and stamped on your passport at immigration. Find out if you’re eligible by contacting your local travel agent or the nearest UAE Embassy.

For shorter stays, consider a stopover or a transit visa, which is available for most passport holders for a duration of 48 to 96 hours. Applications can be made easily through travel agents and airlines. Please contact your local travel agent for up-to-date information and to apply for visas in advance.

How can I get connected when I land in Dubai?

Whether you’re looking for places to visit or simply want to get in touch with your friends and family, you can log on to the internet with ease at Dubai International (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) thanks to the airport ‘WOW-Fi’ network, which is fast, free and convenient.

When on your stopover, don’t forget to request your complimentary SIM card at the immigration counter. Available to all Dubai tourists, these cards are preloaded with minutes and data, and can be easily topped up for the entire duration of your stay. 

How long does it take to get to and from the airport?

Dubai International is conveniently located in the centre of the city. Generally it takes anywhere from 15 to 35 minutes to get to most places in the city, depending on where you’re going. A trip to Downtown Dubai is usually around 15 minutes in a car, while Dubai Marina is around 30 minutes from the airport. Old Dubai is around 15 minutes in a taxi.

You can also hop onto the Dubai Metro directly from the airport. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes direct from Terminal 1 and 3, from 5am to midnight (please note timings vary on weekends). Fares start at AED2 and smart public transport cards known as Nol, can be purchased at the stations. Most metro stations are connected to the public bus network as well.

What are the quickest transport options?

Local taxis are the most convenient option for quick trips and are now fitted with free Wi-Fi, so you can check your flight times while on the go. You can also easily hire an Uber taxi or use the local car ride-hailing service, Careem, which offers competitive rates and comfortable vehicles.

Is it worth leaving the airport if I only have a few hours?

Yes, absolutely. As well as being in close proximity to Old Dubai, the city’s most historic area, the airport is only a 15-minute drive to some of the city’s top attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and Dubai Canal, making a two-hour round trip entirely achievable (and not overly expensive).

If I’m in town overnight, where should I stay?

Located in the centre of Downtown Dubai and a stone’s throw from the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, Rove Downtown Dubai is an affordable option with a hip vibe. As well as being central, it’s a good place to explore the city on foot, with a short taxi ride taking you to the historic districts of Dubai or the upmarket gallery and restaurant precinct, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

What should I wear?

The UAE is a Muslim country and it’s advised to dress modestly and wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, especially when visiting the malls and religious and cultural sites. Layers are a good option and lightweight fabrics are essential in summer. If you’re spending time outdoors, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must.

What can I do with my luggage?

Those planning a short stopover can store their bags in the ‘left luggage’ facilities at Terminal 1 or 3. It costs from just AED35 (US$10) per bag for 12 hours, and can be used by both arriving and departing passengers.

What language do most people speak in Dubai?

English is the most widely-spoken language in Dubai, due to the melting pot of cultures that live here. It’s good to brush up on some basic Arabic phrases to get an appreciation of the culture, but taxi drivers, wait staff, shop assistants and customer service people most often speak English.

Source: Visit Dubai

Hotel occupancy in the emirate stood at 76 per cent during the January- April period

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Dubai was among the first destinations to resume in-person business events after the Covid-19 pandemic, hosting them as early as October 2020

Dubai has been named the number one destination globally for association meetings and business events in 2021 by a report of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

The newly published ICCA Statistics Report, published by state news agency WAM, ranked Dubai the top city in 2021 both for the number of meetings organised by international associations and estimated participants at these events.

Dubai is showcasing its excellence in hosting business events at the 2022 edition of IMEX Frankfurt, the world’s leading meetings industry exhibition, with its largest ever delegation at the trade show.

The record participation underlines Dubai’s position at the forefront of the global business event sector’s recovery and the strong interest from meeting planners across the world to explore the city’s offerings and capabilities.

Dubai was among the first destinations to resume in-person business events after the Covid-19 pandemic, opening itself to hosting international meetings and attendees as early as October 2020.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said, “Dubai’s number one ranking reflects the priority placed on restarting business events in Dubai and engaging with the association community to highlight the city’s readiness and safety measures. We continue to work closely with international associations to ensure that Dubai can provide a platform for their business events and add momentum to the recoveries of the respective professions and industries they serve.”

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, “We continue to see a robust and growing appetite among meeting planners and association executives to rebuild their event calendars and collaborate with destinations that can provide them with safety, stability and a diverse range of offerings. Our partners from across the city have once again stepped up to ensure that Dubai is able to present a unified and comprehensive proposition to a global audience.”

Source: Gulf Business

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a ‘Service Ambassador’ programme with the objective of improving the customer experience in Dubai and thereby reduce consumer complaints. The programme, developed by DET’s Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) Sector and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) in cooperation with the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) features a specialised course designed to assist employees in businesses and commercial groups elevate the quality and efficiency of their customer service.

The Service Ambassador programme is part of a series of innovative initiatives being launched by CCCP to support business and enable merchants to maintain cordial relations with their customers. The course content will be offered online on DCT’s smart learning platform. Merchants can subscribe to the programme and trainees can log in and start learning from anywhere, anytime.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection sector stated that the Service Ambassador programme has been meticulously developed to address the most important aspects defining customer happiness, including service quality, warranty obligation as well as merchant-consumer relations and interaction.

“Shopping being a major factor in driving growth of tourism and retailing in Dubai, it’s important for businesses and all commercial outlets to maintain an exceptional level of customer service. The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector and Dubai College of Tourism have jointly developed this programme drawing on our insights on the customer’s journey and expectations on shopping in Dubai,” Lootah said.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Dubai continues to grow its reputation as a top retail destination globally through an integrated shopping experience that features a broad spectrum of dining and entertainment. The new ‘Service Ambassador’ programme sheds light on the employees’ role and aims at elevating the customer experience through world class service. Excellent customer engagement does add a critical dimension to the shopping experience and is just one more compelling reason for UAE residents and global travellers to come to Dubai and also make a repeat visit to the city.”

Essa bin Hadher, General Manager, Dubai College of Tourism, said: “As Dubai aims to become the most liveable city in the world, it is crucial for those employed in customer-facing roles to deliver exceptional experiences across the board to both residents and visitors. The training programme that has been jointly developed by DCT and CCCP is structured to guide participants on ways of enhancing their customer service skills. Our College’s vast experience in developing and managing bespoke training programmes will be of immense benefit to both participants and their business establishments, as they work towards creating unique value and the best experience for customers.”

The Service Ambassador programme consists of two segments – one for customer service employees and sales staff, and another for supervisors of outlets and stores. Each programme is tailored to the role and functions of the respective target groups and their responsibilities towards consumers.

DET will supervise the programme for continuous improvements and support all subscribers and merchants to achieve the best outcomes. Ultimately, the programme seeks to support businesses and investors by increasing consumer confidence in Dubai and providing a unique shopping experience for residents and tourists.

Source: Zawya

Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is seeking to partner with Kenyan tour operators to boost intra Africa tourism between the two East African countries with a focus on encouraging more tourists from Kenya to explore the natural, adventure, leisure, business and cultural attractions that Uganda has to offer.

The roadshow comes in the wake of an intensified campaign by UTB to reposition Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’ as a leading tourism destination in Africa under a new brand dubbed “Explore Uganda”. To kick off the activities, UTB has launched a roadshow at the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, from 23 rd to 25 th May in a bid to increase tourist arrivals from Kenya by 50% in 2023.

Kenya is a key tourism source market making up almost half of the African arrivals to the country. With Kenya’s developed travel trade sector, coupled with its connectivity to the rest of the world, Uganda Travel Trade partners will bank on the roadshow to secure partnerships that increase tourists to Uganda from Kenya. Over 278 operators from Kenya will create business linkages with 35 operators from Uganda.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, His Excellency Evans Aryabaha, hailed the tourism industry as a powerful catalyst that will enhance the bilateral and cultural relations between the two countries.

On her part, Ms Claire Mugabi, UTB Marketing Manager said that Kenya is the biggest source market of tourists in Uganda, and outlined future plans to increase awareness of Uganda as a destination that offers an adventure of a lifetime.

“Our refreshed destination brand identity captures the essence of the Pearl of Africa with its mesmerizing experiences catering to the needs of diverse travellers with its endemic and endangered flora and fauna, pleasant year-round weather, punctuated by unique scenery,” she added.

Kenya Association of Tour Operators Chair Mr. Fred Odek emphasized the need for joint tourism promotional activities by Kenya and Uganda tourism stakeholders.

“We see a great opportunity for outbound tourism to the East African Community (EAC) countries to get more tourists to Kenya and simultaneously send tourists from Kenya to other countries in the region. Uganda will benefit significantly owing to its geographical proximity and long history of good relations with Kenya,” said Mr. Odek.

Over 278 Kenya tourism and travel agents are expected to participate in the roadshow that is aimed at enhancing Destination Uganda’s presence in the Kenyan market. The event will also boost business-to-business opportunities while strengthening Explore Uganda brand in Kenya. The highlights of the three-day roadshow include Pearl of Africa brand launch in Kenya, direct engagements with key tourism trade partners, government representatives and travel media.

Before the pandemic, Uganda received over 1.5 million tourists in 2019 and registered over 512,000 travellers in 2020. However, the country’s tourism industry is poised for recovery with renewed emphasis on intra-African travel market as a key marketing strategy. in 2019, the Tourism sector contributed 7.7% of Uganda’s GDP and over 667,000 jobs. 58% of the Uganda tourism workforce is composed of women.

Tourism data from 2019 shows the top three Africa source markets in included Rwanda (32%), Kenya (24%) and Tanzania at 6%. President Yoweri Museveni described the new brand Explore Uganda, Pearl of Africa as a key strategy to re-imagine Uganda’s tourism sector and position the country as a competitive international travel destination.

Source: UG Standard