The Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) exchanged views on continued support for bilateral tourism between the two counties which will see significant increase in the flow of tourists.
Bilateral tourism describes the flow of tourists between two countries, irrespective of proximity, and is measured by actual tourists, their percentage as a proportion of inbound and outbound flows.
Tareq Binbrek, Manager at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism who was officiated at the opening of the TUGATAs Convention and 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held under the theme “Bridging Innovation and Sustainability Gaps in the Travel Industry” at Kampala Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday said: “We are very happy to be part of these events in Uganda and we are excited to meet many travel agents there. Africa overall, and Uganda in particular, are a key source market for Dubai.
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‘’A lot of new and exciting things have come up in Dubai and so we look forward to sharing the good news with al’’, He highlighted Dubai’s affordable experiences and the
diversity of the city’s offerings to key travel partners.
Dubai’s popularity as a tourist destination can be attributed to its impressive architecture, standard shopping opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, pleasant climate, and unmatched luxury and hospitality.
The delegation said Dubai, a vibrant city offers a perfect blend of modern luxury, cultural heritage, and awe-inspiring architecture. With its iconic skyline, golden beaches, standard shopping malls, and adventurous activities, it captivates the hearts of millions of visitors every year.
This is not the first time DET is collaborating with Uganda to promote tourism. In 2022, representatives of DET visited Uganda to train 100 Ugandan travel agents.
He said Dubai, being known for its continuous drive to establish, maintains and shows its safe, open, and accessible system, which has seen Dubai ranked as the No.1 global destination.
The new tourism figures from DET show that overall; Dubai hotels maintained an average occupancy level.
According to data from hotel management analytics firm STR, Dubai ranked No.1 globally in hotel occupancy, ahead of other international destinations including.
Uganda’s Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Col (Rtd) Tom Butime, commended DET and other partners for supporting TUGATA, a member based association of travel agents operating in Uganda which has contributed to the travel and the tourism industry in general.
Pearl Hoareau Kakooza the Chairperson TUGATA commended partners and the parent ministry; the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities for recognizing their contributions to the wider tourism sector.
The TUGATA convention was also attended by delegates from three countries that are bound together under the same LFC (local financial criteria) including; the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) and Rwanda Association of Travel Agencies (RATA).
