EMBASSY FACILITATES TOURISM FAMILIARISATION TRIP TO UGANDA
The Uganda Embassy Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Emirates Airline undertook a transformative initiative to position Uganda as a premier global tourism destination. Central to this effort was a meticulously organised familiarisation trip to Uganda with ten Emirates Airline tour operators and agents from Bahrian, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, the UAE and the UK that was held from the 21st - 26th January 2025.The familiarisation trip was geared at exposing the Emirates Airline group to Uganda’s unparalleled tourist attractions.
Strategic collaboration
The partnership with Emirates Airline, a globally recognised leader in international travel, symbolised the Uganda Embassy’s commitment to leverage strategic alliances for sustainable tourism growth. Emirates Airline serves as a vital bridge to global international tourist markets facilitating vital access for global travellers given its vast reach and expertise.
The collaboration materialised through a familiarisation trip, offered the ten tour operators and agents an immersive experience of Uganda's natural beauty, rich culture, and unmatched hospitality to show case the country as a vibrant and promising destination. The initiative aligned with the Mission’s mandate to promote economic and commercial diplomacy.
The fully immersive six nights and five days trip included an audience with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, visits to Uganda's most iconic attractions, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, Kampala's cultural and religious landmarks, a sampling of Kampala’s nightlife and networking with Uganda’s tour operators and agents.
Additionally, the delegation engaged with local communities, experiencing firsthand the warmth, unity, and hospitality that defines Ugandan culture.
Audience with H.E. the President
President Museveni emphasized Uganda’s extraordinary features, including its ideal climate and rich biodiversity as key selling points for international tourists. He informed the guests that there are only three countries in the whole world that have a unique climate because of the altitude and because they are on the equator and Uganda is one of them. He observed that some areas in Uganda are over 1,000 meters above sea level, and some are above 5,000 meters above sea level and have permanent snow.
Asked by one of the delegates why Uganda has the best coffee in the world, the President attributed it to the favorable climate found on the equator that supports the growth of organic crops including coffee and fruits like pineapples. He also encouraged the delegation to visit Uganda's national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to mountain gorillas, and Murchison Falls National Park, known for its stunning waterfall and wildlife.
He also urged them to sample Uganda’s organic and flavourful agricultural produce, particularly its globally renowned coffee and sweet pineapples.
The President expressed hope that Emirates Airlines’ global reach and influence could transform Uganda’s tourism sector by attracting millions of travellers seeking authentic cultural and natural experiences.
President Museveni concluded his remarks by expressing confidence that Emirates Airlines’ partnership with Uganda would unlock new opportunities for the tourism industry. “I warmly welcome you to our country. Go out, explore our beauty, and share Uganda’s story with the world," he said.
The Emirates Airline Tourism Familiarisation Trip to Uganda was very successful and served as a stepping stone for growing Uganda as a tourism destination in seven key markets.
