Tourism events are increasingly emerging as an important contributor to Uganda’s economy, creating employment, supporting local enterprises and promoting the country as a tourism destination.
This was highlighted during the 5th Kenya-Uganda Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit, where National Tourism Events Organizers Federation (NTEOF) President Sebulime Peter, also known as Demo Riley, engaged tourism stakeholders on the role of events in advancing the sector.
“Tourism events bring people together, create business opportunities for local communities, attract visitors and showcase Uganda to the world,” Demo Riley said.
He said tourism events and platforms such as the summit offer opportunities for networking, investment, destination marketing and regional cooperation.
According to Sebulime, strengthening tourism events can also help deepen tourism ties between Uganda, Kenya and other countries in the East African region.
Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Susan Nakawuki Nsambu commended NTEOF for its efforts to promote tourism events and pledged government support for the federation’s work.
Her pledge comes amid calls for increased recognition, investment and support for tourism event organisers, who contribute to tourism promotion, business growth and destination marketing.
NTEOF is set to participate in and showcase Uganda’s tourism events sector at the fifth Kenya-Uganda Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit, scheduled for October 26 and 27 in Mombasa, Kenya.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for tourism stakeholders from the two countries to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation in the sector.
NTEOF said it will continue working with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and other stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s position as a leading tourism and MICE events destination in Africa.
The federation also aims to create more opportunities for communities, businesses and event organisers through the growth of the tourism events industry.
