The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Angele Samura, was spotted with Emyooga National Coordinator Ritah Namuwenge during World Tourism Day celebrations at Mbale Secondary School grounds in Mbale City, held under the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
Ms Namuwenge commended Saleh Naminya the Director of Casa Uganda Safaris & Lodges for his wonderful presentation on the issues hindering the development of Tourism industry in the region.
Namuwenge also emphasized the government to consider constructing key tourism infrastructure in Mbale city, including the Mbale–Nkokonjeru Road (Busamaga–Bufumbo Road) which links tourists to Wanale hills, Constructing the airstrip and upgrading the city stadium.
She said improved infrastructure would help unlock Mbale’s tourism potential and attract more visitors and investment to the region.
Speaking on behalf of development partners Samura, highlighted emerging opportunities for increased tourism investment and cooperation between Uganda and European partners, particularly in the hospitality sector.
She described Uganda as a destination with a broad tourism offering, including its rich natural environment, wildlife, wellness experiences, food and culinary culture, and diverse cultural heritage.
Samura said potential areas of cooperation include human capital development and skills training, sustainable hospitality practices, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to improve tourism services and enhance visitor experiences.