Brighter 2010 for Kenyan Tourism

The tourism industry stakeholders are optimistic that 2010 may be the best year for the business and Kenyan airlines are gearing up for the challenge.

 In 2007, Kenya recorded some 1.8 million visitors bringing in nearly $1 billion from the tourism industry, but political events in the country which were aggravated by the emerging global financial and economic crisis, led to a slump in tourist arrivals in 2008.

In 2009, with support from Kenya Airways, the Kenya Tourist Board made efforts to rejuvenate the industry by involving 250 travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives to improve the image of the country as a tourist destination.

The results paid off and the industry went close to hitting the 2007 figures. The more conservative sections of the industry still believe that by 2012 the two million visitor threshold will be crossed, while the more optimistic operators hope that this can be achieved in 2011.

With the world economy coming out of recession now almost everywhere, it is thought that realistic to see a new arrival record established in 2010, although the revenue growth may lag behind for a while as the market still depends on a range of special offers to match the marketing and sales efforts of other long-haul destinations.

This in particular applies for beach holidays, while the safari sector - offering a generally unique product with little competition beyond the Eastern African region - might see a return to the per capita revenues from before the crisis.

A joint marketing effort is underway through the East African Community, aimed to promote the five East African countries as one destination with many attractions, may also help the effort, but pending side issues like a common tourist visa permitting the entry to all of the EAC member states must first be resolved before this initiative can truly bear fruit.

Single EAC Currency still has a long way

The East African countries are now taking steps towards integrating the financial sector but have still got reforms to make.

Once single integration is completed, EAC will be the second largest single market in Africa boasting of over 120 million consumers. This market will also require having the EAC interbank and credit markets, the money markets, the equity market, the foreign exchange market, the bond market and the derivatives market.
This means that the East African Countries would have their domestic financial markets but then also have the international financial markets.

"The market in East Africa is one that financial markets will thrive on in order to have a free flowing integrated financial sector," says Paddy Turyamwijuka, the Deputy Director Financial Markets at Bank of Uganda.

He was addressing accountants at the 15th Institute of certified Public Accountants (ICPAU) annual seminar in Entebbe, near Kampala. Taryamwijuka also adds that the EAC has supportive protocols that work and are aimed towards the establishment of financial markets integration.

The Monetary Union Protocol which would lead to one EAC currency and the establishment of East African Central Bank (EACB) is expected to promote the final integration of East Africa.

A single currency would ease travel of citizens and goods, eliminating exchange rate problems, providing price transparency, creating a single financial market, price stability and low interest rates, and providing a currency used internationally and protected against shocks by the large amount of internal trade within the east Africa.

Currently the Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) of EAC has been established and is mandated to provide the oversight and execute the matters related to financial markets. However for this to yield results the various EAC countries must be able to harmonise their financial sectors.

"Reforms will be required of them in the financial markets sector so that atleast they are at the same level or playing field," Turyamwijuka adds.

"Rwanda has made most reforms more than any other already existing member state of the EAC and the World Bank has ranked the country high in the financial markets reforms," he adds.

Rwanda however is also yet to have a fully operation Securities Exchange as companies still trade over the counter.

Kenya which is the home of the largest economy in the EAC and the largest and most active stock exchange, is ahead in terms of financial markets reform compared to the rest of the countries in the region. It also has a vibrant financial sector.

"Tanzania is not a fully liberalised economy and its financial sector in particular still has some impediments to foreign investors and other monetary activities," he adds.

EA passport to enable travel around the globe

The East African passport is to be upgraded to international standards and will allow citizens to travel around the world.

The new EAC passport complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) document 9303 standards. Personal details of the applicant will now be legible through a computer from the “machine readable zone.”

The holder’s fingerprints, signature and photograph will be acquired digitally and stored in a database. The old model of the passport introduced nearly a decade ago by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya has the holder’s data type written or hand written on it. It was meant to ease border crossing.

But the document has not been as popular as the traditional passports issued by the Immigration departments in the respective states. It ended up being used mainly by ordinary people such as traders and students travelling across the region, with government officials and business people shunning it.

Juma Mwapachu, the East African Community secretary general said though the traditional passports had been accepted internally, they were not used internationally.

“This is why we want to upgrade the EA passports so it can allow electronic screening,” Mr Mwapachu said.

When they were first issued, the EA passports were valid only in EAC member states but were to be upgraded into international passports starting this year. They would eventually replace the national passports.

However, this proposal is unlikely to materialise in the near future as a lot of groundwork has to be done, including phasing out the national passports of individual states and printing new passports with security marks.

Unlike the EA passports which one has to pay $10 to acquire and is valid five years, national passports of the three partner states are valid for 10 years.

Meanwhile, the issuance of the old passport has been suspended indefinitely to allow for the upgrading work to be completed.

Karibu: East Africa’s largest tourism fair takes place in Arusha, Tanzania

Now in its 11th year, Tanzania’s Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is the largest and most ambitious travel industry event in East Africa.

As such, it has become “the place to meet,” for the region’s travel industry partners from around the world. The 2010 Karibu Fair, which will take place June 4-6, promises to be the largest ever. The Karibu Fair takes place just outside of Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital. The annual event is organized by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT).

According to Amant Macha, TTB’s Acting Managing Director, “Tanzania is very proud that the Karibu Fair, that started as a modest initiative, has evolved into a major travel industry showcase for all the East African destinations."

Part of the uniqueness and excitement of The Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is that it is an outdoor event that offers a real safari experience. Over 250 exhibitors and thousands of regional and international visitors are expected to attend the 2010 Fair, which is open to the trade on June 4th and the public on June 5th and 6th. Travel industry suppliers, large and small, including Tour Operators, tourist boards, hoteliers, and support service representatives and equipment manufacturers are typical participants. International travel trade journalists regularly cover the event along with local media, and "familiarization trips" are being offered to encourage international travel agents to attend.

James Haigh, Sales and Marketing Manager, Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania, in speaking about the Karibu Fair commented ”I go to the Karibu Fair because I have found that it is the one event where one can meet all the major players, buyers and suppliers, in the East African tourism industry."

Macha added “Since America continues to be Tanzania’s number one source market for tourists, we are making a special effort to attract more travel agents from the US market. There are currently over 1400 qualified Tanzania Travel Agent Specialists in the US, and we hope to encourage them to participate by offering special pre and post safaris.”

Local participation good for Tourism

Visitors are drawn to Uganda by the natural beauty, wildlife, warm hospitality offered by the citizens of this East African country and the rich culture that continues to make Uganda a popular tourist destination. With the knowledge that tourism has the potential to contribute significantly on an ongoing basis to the economy of Uganda, the powers that be need to place emphasis not only to the development of the country’s infrastructure and tourism facilities but also to improve the lives of local people, protect their environment and offer a better future.

Long and short term development plans should be developed so that tourism and its benefits are spread within local areas.

For tourism to be developed in a sustainable manner, efforts should be made to ensure enjoyment for the tourist and minimum impact or disruption for the local communities and environment. Tourism investments are too often imposed from the outside, and the potential for sustainable forms of tourism is weakened. Unless local people begin feeling tourism in their pockets and on their tables, all efforts may be put to waste.

To ensure community involvement and to safeguard local cultures, sustainable tourism development should therefore involve all stakeholders in tourism development at all appropriate levels, facilitate the development of tourism services that are planned, managed and reviewed by the host community, ensure that tourism revenue stays in the host communities so as to enhance livelihoods and generate a profitable source of income.

There is need to also emphasize the use of work with new technology, natural resource management and marketing concepts. Ideally, participatory planning and implementation should be part of the processes. What has often disturbed me is to see that Uganda Wildlife Authority, custodians of all National Parks in Uganda, are the very people that have given this country a raw deal. Cases in point range from the Gorilla Permit monopoly deal, the hunting contract given to a private investor last year among others.

A time has come when these private investors should consider building symbiotic relationships with the locals staying close to the protected areas if they expect guests to be safe. The biggest challenge is when locals finally realize (as they have already realized) that they got a raw deal from particular investments. It is happening in Bwindi; where a private investor was supposed to be giving back some financial contribution to the locals under a lease arrangement.

However, it has come to my knowledge that members from the very community are now complaining that the  investor keeps on claiming that they have more guests on complementary arrangement than the paying guest meaning that the locals have not benefited from the deal.

A few months back I was one of those who questioned the rationale of Uganda Wildlife Authority awarding a Gorilla Monopoly deal to a private investor by using the community as a conduit. For this the investor and a few un patriotic individuals tried to intimidate and even decided to sue me.

I stood firm in my thinking and up to today nothing has moved an inch and history is beginning to judge me right. This goes on to show tendencies of open robbery.

At one time a local was asked why he had stolen some items from a tourist, and he replied: They say we should benefit from tourism so am just benefiting. If am also to remind you of a Chinese proverb that goes; you do not teach people to eat, you just give them food, similarly the locals of Bwindi and other areas in Uganda should not just be taught how to smile at tourists, but should be given a reason to do so!

Involving local people is surely one of the missing ingredients undermining the success of Uganda’s tourism industry. Non Governmental Organizations and some donor agencies have tried to work with local people identifying their needs and supplying them with what they want. But without private sector input, the sustainability of these initiatives is questionable.

Two key forces are driving the development of tourism i.e the new tourists and the new private sector initiatives. The new tourists are waking up to calls of the media as well as to the hard reality that it’s not business as usual. There is growing demand for more contact with locals and a safer and cleaner environment. We have to deviate from the known practice of a few reaping the benefits because tourism is for all and people are for tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism through its line department of UWA should not just give people fish but should teach them how to fish.UWA needs to do is to train the locals to effectively manage the resources in their areas.

Joint Tourism Bill passed by East African Parliament

By Geoffrey Baluku

The East African Legislative Assembly has passed the Tourism and Wildlife Management Bill paving way for an establishment of a Joint Tourism Board for the community.

This private member’s bill presented by MP Safina Kwekwe (Kenya) during the third meeting of the third session of the second East African Legislative is also aimed at creating an East African Tourism and Wildlife Commission that would coordinate the management of Tourism and Wildlife amongst the partner states.

In an interview with Trek East Africa, Kwekwe said, “The bill is about enabling an environment where marketing and promotion of tourism activities can be done jointly by all partner states. It also aims at setting standards for the tourism industry in the region by enhancing capacity building,” she added.

The Commission will promote cultural tourism, wildlife management, guarantee Intellectual property rights protection and coordinate the marketing and promotion of tourism in East Africa as a single tourism destination.

Wild animals wander across the East African borders, there for it is imperative that the community manages wildlife together.

Kate Kamba (Tanzania) said the region was endowed with enormous natural resources, whose management is burdened by bureaucracy among the member countries.

Hon. George Francis Nangale (Tanzania) on his part said that the passing of the bill is yet another milestone to EALA in its efforts to coordinate East African Partner States towards the management of the tourism industry in the region.

Kwekwe, the legislator from Kenya added, that "For East Africa to be a single tourism destination there will be need for harmonizing tourism policies and having the same incentives for tourists across the region".

She says the Bill will bring an end to contradictions in Tourism policies within member states.

East Africa to invest in museums

By Paul Tentena

EAST African governments have resolved to invest in museums so as to preserve historical values of East Africa which will boost the tourism industry.

The governments also agreed that member countries establish conference and convention centres in business cities like Kigali, Arusha, Jinja, Mombasa, Bujumbura and Dar-es-Salaam.

This was at the 3rd East African investment conference at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala recently. The conference was held under the theme “Invest in East Africa, where challenges are opportunities.”

Eriya Kategaya, the second deputy prime minister and minister for East African affairs, said countries should enact laws that promote investments, development of efficient infrastructures and the elimination of corruption and red tape.

The conference resolved to set up colleges for hotel and tourism management and to encourage the development of three to five star hotels to cater to business persons and tourists.

Bikingi Gorilla Group on Track

By Geoffrey Baluku

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has in the past few months been habituating another group of Mountain Gorillas (Bikingi) for tourism. This arose from an earlier public outcry where industry stake holders questioned the rationale of UWA awarding monopoly rights of Nkuringo gorillas to a private investor under the disguise of doing it for the local community.

Bikingi group which is in the southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park will be the 8th group to be habituated. Other groups include Nshongi that was officially opened for Tourism in September 2009, Bitukura Group in Ruhija, Nkuringo, Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Kyaguriro that is currently being used for research. The eight habituated gorilla groups constitute about 25% of the total gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla tracking contributes over 60 % of tourism revenue to the coffers of the Ugandan government.

According to researchers, "overall, the gorilla population has been increasing at an approximate annual growth rate of 1%, which is indicative of a healthy population".

The director of conservation, Sam Mwandha, said, “It is too early to say when they will be able to accept human presence for the Bikingi group. We will probably be able to establish this in the next few months.”

The total Mountain Gorilla population in the whole world is estimated to be about 760 with about 340 in the jungles of Bwindi Forest as the rest straddle through Mgahinga, Rwanda and DR Congo.

RwandAir to fly Johannesburg direct

Hardly two months after taking delivery of its new aircraft, RwandAir has released a new schedule effective February 2010 announcing direct flights into Johannesburg every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The four weekly flights which beginning February 3, 2010 will maintain the daylight operation with departures from Kigali set at 1430HRS (Local Kigali Time).

Kigali bound flights will depart from Johannesburg at 1900HRS (Johannesburg Time). Prior to the temporary suspension last year, RwandAir Kigali-Johannesburg direct flights had gained popularity as being the most affordable and direct way of accessing east and central Africa from Johannesburg especially for travelers from the Americas, Australia and South East Asia.

The national carrier has also announced the launch of flights to the Tanzanian port city of Dar es Salaam via Bujumbura beginning February 2, 2010. The early morning flights will depart from Kigali International Airport at 0700HRS (Local Kigali Time) every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday while the direct to Kigali return flights will depart from Julius Nyerere International Airport Dar es Salaam at 1100HRS (Dar es Salaam Time).

While announcing these additions to the schedule, the Chief Operating Officer Capt. Jack Ekl said that the airline is keen on deploying more capacity and increasing its frequencies to these destinations with the expected acquisition of Boeing 767 and 737-800 in March 2010. “We will soon be communicating our 2010 World Cup offers with the resumption of the Jo’Burg Direct” he added. RwandAir recently announced its plans to operate scheduled flights to Goma and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo - DRC in the first quarter of 2010.

Tanzania tourist arrivals reduce

By TEA Correpondent
Tanzania is likely to miss out on millions of dollars usually expected from the tourism industry following the decline of international tourists' arrivals which is due to the global financial crisis. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Tanzania suffered a 10 percent decline in foreign tourist arrivals in its wildlife-rich national parks in the first ten months of 2009.

The WTO's 2009 comprehensive report shows that the country had received about 576,643 travelers, down from 641,951 international tourists in 2008. The UN body goes on to note that the negative trends in international tourism surfaced in the second half of 2008 and intensified in 2009 due to the global economic downturn.

As a result, Tanzania, East Africa's second largest economy after Kenya, is currently struggling to promote domestic tourism in a bid to fill the gap in foreign tourism. Mr. Ibrahim Mussa, Assistant Director Research, Training and Statistics in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism observed that government had opted to concentrate on domestic tourism due to its potential.

"We have decided to increase efforts to woo domestic tourists as a counter to the effects of the global financial crisis because we found that it is paying off," said Mr. Mussa. He added that findings revealed that an endeavor to pursue local tourists is paying off with a 19.3% increase in activity.

Mr. Donatius Kamamba, Director of Antiquities in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said that a preliminary analysis conducted by his Ministry, shows that the number of visitors coming to the country for leisure had dropped due to the consequences of the financial crisis.

More bidders required for Air Tanzania

Even as the government enters the final stages of two-year negotiations with China Sonangol International Holdings to buy a controlling stake in Air Tanzania Corporation Ltd, it has now decided to invite more international firms to vie for a stake in the ailing airline.

The state-owned carrier last month cut 155 jobs amid talks of a partnership with China Sonangol. Only 182 employees remained. It cited overstaffing and accumulated staff wages as the reasons for the layoffs..

Ministry of Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Omar Chambo said talks between the government and officials from China Sonangol are at an “advanced stage,” without elaborating further.

Mr Chambo said the negotiations with the Chinese firm do not debar the government from looking for other investors, and that already several other companies have shown interest in the carrier. However, he declined to name the firms and their number, saying this could jeopardise the discussions.

According to Mr Chambo the government wants to see Air Tanzania revived and brought back to full strength to take advantage of growing markets like the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Zambia and Malawi.

But critics say the government has not kept its word on giving Air Tanzania full support since the firm parted ways with South African Airways in 2006.

Air Tanzania Corporation Ltd, formerly known as Air Tanzania Corporation, was privatised on December 2, 2002 in a deal in which SAA acquired 49 per cent shares in the firm $20 million, which largely went into shareholding, with the rest going into capital and training accounts.

Last week, a US firm, Celtic Capital Corporation of Texas, said it was ready to take over the operations of Air Tanzania.

Five firms based in the US, the UK and the United Arab Emirates have also shown interest in running the cash-strapped airline.

In August 2008, the Tanzania government held secret talks with the Chinese Development Bank to sell the 49 per cent shares acquired back from SAA to a Hong Kong-based private firm with a view to reviving the ailing airline. In the deal, China Sonangol International Holdings was expected to fund the operations of the airline that is now struggling to regain its reputation and position in the regional and international market.

Sam Pal, chairman of Sonangol International said recently that China Development Bank would be funding the takeover of Air Tanzania, but bureaucracy within the government has delayed the takeover.

Terminal 3

Mr Pal said that Sonangol has already started construction of Terminal Three of JK Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and is working on expansion of the airport.

Sonangol said that it has already bought an Embarer fleet for Air Tanzania. China Sonangol International Holdings Ltd, which was established in 2004, mainly engages in oil, gas and minerals investment and exploration, crude oil trading and large-scale national reconstruction projects.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company also has branch offices in mainland China, Africa and Latin America and operates the oil refinery in Angola as well as chartered airlines in Angola, the US and the UK.

The East African

Uganda's Tourism boosted by Global Hiking Challenge in the Wild

By Benard Busulwa

Uganda’s tourism sector received a boost recently when the country hosted its inaugural Hike4Life challenge. The annual event, which is organised by Focus, an international humanitarian relief organisation, seeks to mobilise resources through sponsorship of hiking or cycling challenges.

Participants who are drawn from around the globe help to boost the host country’s tourism. Focus works with its agencies in Europe, North America and South Asia.

Uganda’s hiking challenge around Mt Elgon — which is famed for mountain climbing and hiking safaris — brought together 41 participants from Europe, USA and Canada. Although the country has attractive rivers, lakes, game parks and cultural sites, the tourism sector is under exploited due to poor marketing strategies. The choice of Mt Elgon for the Hike4Life event was inspired by its intact natural beauty and highly challenging terrain.

“We wanted an environment that could dare contestants both mentally and physically. In consultation with our local partners, Mt Elgon emerged as the best venue” said Irfan Haji, vice chairman of Focus agency in Europe.

Uganda views the Hike4Life event as an opportunity to showcase some of its less exploited tourist attraction sites. Mt Elgon for instance, is a popular tourist site but a poor road network and inapt bridges discourages tourists, particularly budget travellers, from visiting the region.

Consequently, tourist arrivals in the country are lower than those of neighbouring countries. For instance, Uganda recorded an estimated 844,000 tourists in 2008 compared with 1.1 million registered by Kenya during the same period.

But organisers of the Hike4Life challenge expressed optimism about the impact the event had on the country’s tourism sector.

“We are delighted to have hosted this event in Uganda. Many of the participants had never travelled to this country; the hiking challenge offered them an opportunity to experience the hospitality and warmth of its people, as well as discover the magnificent countryside,” said Mahmood Ahmed, the Aga Khan Development Network resident representative in Uganda, during the event.

The Uganda hiking challenge raised some $250,000 which is to be injected into the ongoing humanitarian activities in Afghanistan and India. This is in contrast to previous Hike4Life events that raised an average of $500,000 each.

Relief efforts

Focus was established in 1994 by the Ismaili Community and is an affiliate of the AKDN — a group of private and international agencies who foster social welfare activities in developing countries. Focus’ speciality is international crisis response and disaster management interventions particularly in Asia — Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. Interventions have also taken place in Madagascar and Mozambique.

So far, Focus has held eight Hike4Life events. The inaugural edition was held in Egypt in 2002 and involved a bikathon along the River Nile. Subsequent events included a climbing challenge hosted by Kenya in 2003 and a hiking event around Mt Kilimanjaro in 2007.

Through deeper outreach networks in various parts of Asia, Focus is able to supplement relief efforts of large international aid bodies such as the Red Cross, Oxfam and the World Food Program.However, officials are concerned that the need for humanitarian assistance is rising faster than they can mobilise ample resources.

Shahed Karim, board member of Focus Europe attributed the trend to the severe effects of climate change that are often blamed on industrial pollution prevalent in the developed world.

The East African

Mumbere crowned King of Rwenzururu

By Raymond Baguma
and John Thawite (New Vision)

A National conference for leaders of cultural institutions is coming, President Yoweri Museveni said at Mumbere's Coronation.

“We restored these kingdoms but we have not discussed with them in detail how they should work in harmony with the Government,” the President explained.

He was was speaking at a ceremony where he recognised the Obusinga (kingdom) of Rwenzururu and King Charles Wesley Mumbere.

During a ritual at a palace in Kasese, the President laid his hands on Mumbere’s left shoulder and then addressed the kingdom’s parliament.

Mumbere ascended to the throne on October 19, 1966. He succeeded his father Isaya Mukirane, who had launched the Rwenzururu armed struggle against the Toro kingdom. Thousands of loyalists turned up at the Kilembe Golf Course to witness the event, which also marked 43 years since Mumbere ascended the throne.

The regional Police spokesperson, Elly Matte, estimated the crowd at 60,000 people.

Museveni said traditional institutions were restored in areas where the people demanded them. He said Ankole kingdom could not be restored because the people rejected it.

He said the people of Kasese had shown love for their monarchy in line with Article 246 of the Constitution, which allows the restoration of old kingdoms and creation of new ones.

“I have proof the people of Kasese wanted Obusinga. The proof was based on a resolution passed by Kasese district council, elders and other people who sent me signed resolutions. So, I have come to show the Government support for this cultural institution.”

He said the involvement of traditional institutions in politics was detrimental to the culture of the people. He noted that cultural institutions should avoid creating tension among the different communities.

He cited Bundibugyo district, where the Bamba were opposed to the Rwenzururu kingdom and promised to discuss with Mumbere how the Bamba and Bakonjo could peacefully co-exist.

“Handle the issue carefully so that you do not create tension out of a new cultural institution,” he advised Mumbere.

“The Bamba told me clearly that they don’t want to be associated with the cultural institution. Nobody can be forced to support a cultural institution against their will. They should not worry because the centre of the institution is in Kasese, where there is consensus,” Museveni added.

He thanked the residents of Kasese for supporting the Government to defeat the ADF rebels. He said cultural institutions were vital in preserving culture and promoting indigenous languages. He urged the Rwenzururu kingdom to fulfill this role.

He said the king would start getting a monthly stipend and promised him a vehicle and a palace.

He urged the Rwenzururu people to embrace the Government programmes in agriculture, the universal primary and secondary education, mass immunisation and the HIV/AIDS prevention campaign.

Mumbere assured the President that his kingdom would work closely with the NRM government.

“Obusinga will always be non-political and implement its activities in a cultural manner, as culture transcends politics.”
The king’s speech was disrupted by a downpour, which forced people to flee for shelter.

The king appealed to his people to abandon armed conflicts which have characterised the cultural institution. “I ask all Banyarwenzururu to return all sorts of weapons to the armoury,” he appealed.

He said the kingdom would focus on education, health, roads, clean water and sanitation.

The coronation was attended by a delegation from the DR Congo led by the minister of culture and arts, Esdros Kambale. It included the Congolese ambassador, Charles Okoto, and MPs.

There were also delegations from across Toro kingdom.

New Planes For East African Civil Aviation Academy

By TEA Reporter,

THE Government is to buy six new aircrafts for the East African Civil Aviation Academy - that is commonly referred to as Soroti Flying School.

Edith Mwanje, the East African Community affairs ministry permanent secretary, said this during a regional workshop for central Uganda leaders at Hotel Africana in Kampala last week.

She said the procurement of the new planes would be done under a three-year capital development project designed by the Government to rehabilitate the academy.

The six computerised single-engine planes would cost sh4b. The first batch of the aircrafts arrives this financial year, she added.

The single engine Cessna 172 aircraft has modern aviation technology. Which, Mwanje said, would equip and acquaint the pilot students with the required aviation skills.

The school has 58 privately sponsored students using the old Cessna aircraft manufactured in the early 1960s.

The academy was built as a training school for the British Overseas Airways Corporation to train British pilots in tropical flying techniques. It was later used by the East African Flying Academy to train pilots from the former community.

“Since the collapse of the East African community in 1977, this school has been neglected. However, with its revival, plans are under way to renovate it at a cost of US$900,000 (about Ush 1.73b),” Mwanje added.

The project also includes renovation of the old buildings and acquisition of new computers.

Single Tourist Visa to be issued by East Africa Member States

By Arthur Baguma

The East African Community plans to start a single tourist visa for the region. The member states are discussing a protocol to create and market the region as a single tourist destination. Member states have started to coordinate their policies in the tourism industry and were establishing a frame work that would ensure equitable distribution of resources. In addition the partner states are establishing a common code of conduct for private and public tour and travel operators, standardized hotel classification and professional standards of agents in the industry.

A collective policy for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife and other tourist sites in the region is also in pipeline.

“They include harmonizing policies for the conservation of wildlife within and outside protected areas, exchanging information and adopting common policies on wildlife management and development, coordinating efforts in controlling and monitoring encroachment and poaching activities,” information at the EAC states. The policy encourages joint use of training and research facilities and developing common management plans for trans-border protected areas.

These developments are good news to East Africa tourism potential. From some of the world’s finest beaches to unique wildlife sanctuaries East Africa is a tourism hub. In Uganda the unique wildlife sanctuaries East Africa is a tourism hub. In Uganda the unique Bwindi National Park home to some 340 mountain gorillas, the Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park are also preferred sites for tourists. In Kenya, the magnificent Maasai Mara reserve, among 48 wildlife parks and reserves, including the amazing Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks attract tourists both local and international. In Tanzania, the world famous Ngorongoro crater, the breath taking spectacular Serengeti plains, wildlife conservation areas and Mt. Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain are just the tip of the ice berg of what Tanzania can offer tourists.

Apart from the scenic attractions, East Africa has a lot more to offer. Hotel and beach tourism is at its peak. The region offers a large number of historical sites spread through the region. It boasts of interesting traditional culture, the Makonde sculptures and Akamba wood crafts as well as the Uganda Kingdoms, cultures and tradition. The Olduvai Gorge in the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania is the site of discoveries of the traces of early humanity.

There is, however potential for development, expansion and promotion of East African tourism, taking into account on going development of tourism and other potential of the lake Victoria basin. The world’s second largest fresh water body is shared by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

The number of tourists to the East African region increased significantly between 1995 and 2002.In Tanzania the number increased from 285,000 to 550,000 while in Uganda it increased from 160,000 to 254,000. In Kenya there was a slight decline from 896,000 to 838,000 but the figures rose to one million in 2003.

Currently the three countries attract more than two million tourists. The figures indicate a vibrant trend of the tourist sector in East Africa. With joint promotion of the industry, tourist visits in East Africa are expected to double in the near future. In 2005, the East African Community countries launched the plan for joint tourism and wildlife development including joint marketing and promotion of East Africa as a single tourist destination.

Starting with the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB), Berlin 2006, the tourist boards of East African countries participate in international trade fairs under one roof, the East African Village exhibition area. On going activities aim at developing both short and long term measures in the joint promotion and marketing of East Africa as a single tourist destination.

The plan and strategy for joint development and promotion of tourism envisages steady growth due to stable political and peaceful conditions prevailing in the region coupled with modernization of infrastructure, transport and communications facilities and links to all parts of the world by major world air lines and ocean cruises.

2009, THE YEAR OF THE GORILLA

By Baluku Geoffrey

Kampala, Uganda

United Nations Environment Programme designated 2009 as the year of the Gorilla.

From the start of this year a lot of activities have already taken place and others are yet to be rolled out with an intention of creating awareness about Gorillas. They are endemic species and share 98.4% of their genetic material with humans. Gorillas, the largest of the Apes are divided into 4 sub species belonging to the western and eastern species.

The western species include the western lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross river Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehl) while the eastern Gorilla species include the Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the Eastern lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri).

Renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who happens to be the patron of the initiative said in a statement, “it is time for us to pool all our resources towards saving these magnificent creatures”.

Uganda is so lucky to have over 50% of the Mountain gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

As an important partner in gorilla conservation, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will be officially launching the year of the gorilla on 17th April 2009. This will be done in partnership with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), local communities and other national and international organizations through which the public profile of gorillas will be raised, the wider public educated on the threats the gorillas face and also discuss the conservation status of these unique animals.

Year of the Gorilla

Gorilla tracking contributes over 70% of the revenues from tourism in Uganda. Despite the above contribution, they are a globally endangered species.

Ian Redmond, an expert at the UN Environment Program said: “The year of the Gorilla is not just about gorillas but their habitat”.

Their habitats are continually being impacted by growing human population and have lately become victims of armed conflicts especially in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is in line with this that the year of the gorilla is intended to encourage practical, easily manageable strategic approaches to gorilla conservation.

The public is there fore encouraged to take part in these activities which will culminate in a very big event later in the year.

UGANDA TOURISM NOT READY FOR EAST AFRICAN COMMON MARKET

By Baluku Geoffrey

Kampala, Uganda

Uganda by common consent of travelers continues to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The country not only has a great diversity and profusion of wildlife species but has also had 23 years of dramatic tourism growth. It is not only home to the highest number of mountain gorillas but has also been voted the number one birding destination in Africa.

The tourism sector is however faced with a number of challenges ranging from high cost of finance and constrained access to credit to inadequate opportunities to support technological transfer and low bargaining and lobbying capacity. This is yet to be compounded with a new challenge of the planned common market for the five East African countries.

Tourism in Uganda is known to be built on the natural and cultural resources which are usually the few assets owned by the poor. With the integration of East Africa and planned common market, the poor especially those in tourism related enterprises may end up being pushed out of business. The Ugandan market will for instance be flooded with Kenya and Tanzanian products such as crafts which will in way over shadow our own.

There is an Asian saying that goes, “Tourism is like a fire, you can cook your food with it or it can burn your house down”. It is clear that Uganda has not yet reached the level of Kenya and Tanzania.

Considering the limited facilities characterized by monopolies in Ugandan National parks, opening up the tourism sector to the East African common market may worsen the already fragile industry. Assuming many companies with a strong financial base such as Somak entered the Ugandan market, they would eventually control the entire tour operation business which would make conflict inevitable.

Government should handle the planned process of a common market in phases. This can be done in consultation with the tourism industry players. What is happening at the moment is that industry players have been left at the periphery of the whole negotiation process.

Irrespective of the capitalistic ideas, there is need for an element of “protectionism” for the Ugandan industry players. There is also need for standardization of tourism products and the fast implementation of the Tourism Act prior to opening up to the East African Common market.

Locals need to be empowered so that they are able to compete with counter parts in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. If this is not done, then conflict will always arise.

Economic Recession, Competition hits Kenya's Tourism

By Trek East Africa Safaris Correspondent

NAIROBI, KENYA

Fluctuating fuel prices coupled with post election chaos and competition affected Kenya's rankings in 2008.

The Managing Director Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Mr. Julius Kipngetich warned last Tuesday that the country’s key source markets were under severe attack from key competitors. He said that there was need for the government to defend Kenya's existing markets at this particular time of the global recession.

Kipngetich further said that, “Kenya's forays into China and other countries should hold because these markets are also under serious attack by several competitors, especially Tanzania.

Details of Kenya’s performance at the just concluded ITB exhibition held in Berlin, Germany remained scanty; Kipngetich said he would brief the media in the coming days.

Najib Balala, the Tourism minister who led the ITB delegation said most prospective tourists were still skeptical of the country’s security given the negative media reports in light of the return of the ‘Mungiki Sect’ ritual killings.

However, the Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Federation Ms. Lucy Karume, revealed that Kenya’s four biggest markets USA, UK, Italy and Germany accounted for 38% of the revenue earned from Tourism, which equaled to all the other 23 destinations. This she said, "shows why Kenya's source markets cannot be replaced by numbers from the emerging markets”.

Different tourism players in Kenya have proposed that government comes up with a stimulus package for the airline industry and also improve on the product pricing.

Kipngetich also noted the need for the re-capitalization of the Kenya Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) that could be used to finance the construction of new lodges in the country since according to him banks do not lend money to tourism investments that usually have long term pay back periods.

Uganda targets 1million tourists by 2012

By Paul Tentena

UGANDA Tourism Board (UTB) has set a target of a million tourists by 2012, according to a top official.

William Byaruhanga, the board chairman, explained last week that this would be achieved by expanding the scope of products provided, and entice tourists to stay longer with attractive packages.

“We shall maximally tap our potential in the sector in terms of investment and arrivals,” Byaruhanga stated.

Byaruhanga said Uganda received 642,000 tourists last year but noted the need to improve the country’s presence and marketing initiatives across the globe.

“We intend to expand our activities within Europe and also target new markets like the US and Asia this year. The Ugandan stand design shall be consistently improved to be competitive at different exhibitions as we benchmark best practices internationally,” he stressed.

On the country’s staggering image abroad, Byaruhanga observed: “Branding and positioning takes a while regardless of our past history and it requires consistency and sufficient funding.
“International marketing requires huge sums of money to change our past image in the source markets and we shall get there with good marketing strategies.

“Every country has its history that is what distinguishes us as people. Germany gets millions of visitors annually regardless of Hitler’s activities in the past.”

Commenting on the issue of the “Gifted by Nature” brand and the “Pearl of Africa” tagline preferred by the private sector, Byaruhanga said “A brand is a perception or mindset. Therefore, the two brands can be pushed and used to compliment each other instead of cannibalising each other.

“Both brands have not been fully tested to come out with clear conclusions about usage mileage.

“However ‘Gifted by Nature’ stretches beyond tourism to other sectors like trade. A branding strategy has been finalised and is set to be rolled out, finances being a factor.

“Consultations have been ongoing to solve the differences of the two brands.”

Byaruhanga said Uganda will host four regional domestic tourism exhibitions in Uganda given the credit crunch in Europe, which is the major market.
“We shall also design family, corporate and individual packages that are affordable and attractive to our people.

“It should be noted that tourism is the fastest growing sector world wide at 8% and indeed in Uganda as well. Tourism has a perfect trickle down effect and can be key in fighting poverty hence the need to prioritise it.”

Uganda shines at the World Travel Market

By Baluku Geoffrey
London, UK

Uganda once again reaffirmed itself as East Africa’s number one tourist destination at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition held at Excel London from 10 – 13^th November 2008.

From a survey conducted from the thousands of guests who visited the Ugandan stand, it was noted that Uganda was once again the most sought after destination in East Africa albeit the continuous under funding to Tourism Uganda.

Uganda’s success has come a long way. Efforts to make this years show a success started in Kampala where Uganda Tourist Board on realizing its constraints decided to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Civil Aviation Authority and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to market Uganda.

This was followed by a pre WTM event cocktail at Metro pole Hotel – Kampala on 28^th September 2008 where AUTO

presented a cheque of US$10,000 to the WTM 2008 organizing committee.

L - R Chairman AUTO - Mr. Henry Oketcho and Mr. Edwin Muzahura - Marketing Manager UTB.

Another cocktail meant for suppliers was held at Eclipse Restaurant in London. For the first time Uganda had a storeyed stand and all participants from Uganda showed unity in purpose.

The several wholesalers who visited the Ugandan stand noted that over the past few years Uganda had become a “stand alone” destination. In the past many international and regional tour operators offered Uganda as “an add on” extension to Kenya and Tanzania. However, now there is such a great demand by consumers to spend their entire time in Uganda as it is emerging as a long haul destination especially for specialty tours. As tourists at all price levels become more sophisticated in the global market, value in addition to price becomes a critical element in the decision to visit one destination rather than another.

Also to note is the fact that international tourism and its markets are facing un precedented change as a result of rapidly evolving technologies, the credit crunch and exchange rates that are now leading holiday makers to shun expensive foreign holidays.

Research from insurance specialist Tower Gate Bakers reveals, 65% of Britons will be switching to cheaper holidays over the next 12 months so as to beat the crunch. The credit crunch is an indicator that the development of Tourism will continue to be driven by the attitudes of consumers in the source markets.

With the economic situation worsening, 2009 actually represents a golden opportunity for Uganda to strengthen Uganda Tourist Board through implementation of the Tourism Act that was passed earlier this year.

Considering that Uganda is competing on the world market with the sole aim of penetrating it, it is necessary for emphasis to be put on quality products at competitive prices but most of all to offer the unique products with a Ugandan approach.

Government full support is also needed to further promote Uganda’s unique features at the up coming exhibitions in Germany, Spain, Russia, Japan, South Africa and also to explore the United States of America. This will enable Uganda to claim its rightful position as the most rewarding destination in East Africa.

When we challenge the impossible in life, we most often get the best possible.

The critical factor for Uganda’s success at this years show is accountability as every thing else flows from that. Uganda Tourist Board (Tourism Uganda) is yet to call members for a post WTM meeting where a full report on accountability and future marketing plans will be unveiled.