Round two of back to the source returns and this time around will feature Uganda’s goodwill cultural Ambassador appointed by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine who represents Uganda in the world of tourism in North America.
Ntare Guma together with other travel influencers with huge social media presence globally such as Shannon Amos will traverse the different Uganda’s cultural and tourism sites during their ten days excursion plan with Uganda Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities together with partners; Great lakes Safaris, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Back to the Source Tours Uganda.
The trips that commence on Thursday 26th December 2019 will go till Monday 06th January 2020 as they are set to visit the different natural features the Pearl Of Africa possesses including the numerous wildlife species.
During the media briefing at Kampala Serena hotel on Friday, Ntare recognized his cultural ambassadorial roles and pledged to do much more so as to influence unique numbers of tourists especially those living in the diaspora both Ugandans and non-Ugandans so as they visit the Pearl Of Africa and enjoy the beautiful sceneries as many are said to have depart the country many years ago.
He added that; ‘’the numerous challenges many Ugandans go through in the diaspora including racism and segregations in major aspects leaves many dissociated and hence the need to re-unite them under the tourism aspect and make them feel related with their country again as they are urged to embrace holidays like Easter and Christmas seasons plus anytime of the year to come back home and get their minds relaxed as they enjoy the different expeditions and adventures’’.
He continues and says that many Ugandans in the diaspora are really unaware of the natural endowers their mama land back home possesses thus he is doing quite and immense job in letting many understand the beauty of Uganda while in the diaspora.
Ntare said; ‘’I had chance to travel upto 16 districts in Uganda previously as we also did a video shoot, narrated my travel experience to family members who wondered as they had never traveled to any part of Uganda despite them being Ugandans born and living in the diaspora, such communication is really important to convince them to visit the Pearl Of Africa’’.
Amos Wekesa, Founder and CEO –Great Lakes Safaris during the presser revealed that tourism is everyone’s business as the benefits are directly or indirectly achieved as its one of the biggest employers since it employs right from the Airlines, Immigrations bodies, Taxi drivers, tour operators, hoteliers, upto petty traders among other service providers.
He, however adds that; ‘’the Challenge has been critical that while marketing, we look at the Foreigners travelers (Whites) other than our fellow Africans in the diaspora and those spread and living all over the world. Tourism is a subject that secures a country, when you have tourism succeeding in your country that becomes an international entity.
Amos Wekesa also revealed that; ‘’ four years ago, hosted a group of FNL players whom we traveled to Gulu and refused to sleep until they visited Fort Patiko first, the players were amazed by the tales and rich cultural history of the site.
Claire Mugabi, Uganda Tourism Board Marketing Manager said; ‘’we unveiled a new marketing campaign Back to the source intended to promote tourism to Ugandans especially in the diaspora. Our most valuable resource is tourism, the ministry appointed Ntare Guma and for the next 2-3 weeks, we shall be hosting him and a group of others as we navigate them through the country.’’
She added that the group will be spending time in the different parts of the country as the board’s efforts to promote tourism in the Americas/ diaspora have been untapped. The African diaspora spend close to USD63 billion thus the back to the source campaign under Uganda Tourism Board will promote tourism in such areas plus promote Education and cultural diversification.
Shannon Amos – Travel Enthusiast said that;’’ As an African traveler for the first time, the title for back to the source is worthy, am really excited to be part of the team embarking on the excursions in Uganda’’.
Farry Martinez from – Back to the source tours said that; We are so grateful to be navigators of the experience as we will together with partners as we take through Diasporas dwellers on Ugandan trips. African Americans really love travel and spend over USD63 billion a year on International travel, they love culture so it’s important we all understand their interests and serve them accordingly’’.
Early this week, the Uganda Tourism Board together with Talent Africa gave American African origin singer, songwriter and producer Jidenna of the Classic man fame an expedition to Murchison Falls National Park for a thrilling adventure, the experience the artiste shared on his platforms received close to one million views in a singular day so the back to the source adventure looks forward to receiving greater inbound tourist numbers in the next quarter.
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