Why the NAM Conference is a game changer for Uganda’s Tourism

Why the NAM Conference is a game – changer for Uganda’s Tourism Sector

Uganda is blessed to host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement  Conference and G77 + China summit that will be taking place at Speke Resort Munyonyo. All preparations are in final stages to host over 246 delegations for both summits and approximately 5000 visitors from accross the Globe.

This is obviously a massive boost to Uganda’s economy in a number of ways ranging from the actual domestic expenditure by the visitors while in the country, the massive publicity Uganda will attain globally, the opportunity to showcase Uganda’s investment potential and ofcourse the tourism earnings that will be generated from the international visitors through hotel bookings, Tours and Excursions, car rentals among others.

However , in this article we explore the Top 3 Infrastructural acquisitions that are partly attributed to hosting NAM & G77 conferences , that will forever change the trajectory of Uganda’s Tourism Sector.

1. The New State of the Art 9000- Seater Speke Resort Convention Centre at Munyonyo

It worthy noting that one of the biggest obstacles and challenges that has crippled growth of Business Tourism or MICE in Uganda has been the absence of a Convention centre. This has greatly hampered Uganda Tourism Board( UTB) ’s efforts in luring top conferences and meetings into the country thereby lagging behind Kenya who boast of the Kenyatta Convention Centre and Rwanda with it’s new Kigali Convention Centre.

However , thanks to the NAM and  G77+ China Summits taking place in Kampala next week, Uganda is set to level up with the competition following the unveiling of the Newly built 9000-  seater Speke Resort Convention Centre at Munyonyo that is set to host these 2 mega meetings.

Most importantly, this new Convention centre enhances Uganda’ competitiveness and Tourism Infrastructure as a Top Business Tourism or MICE destination in East Africa.

2. Expansion of the Entebbe International  Airport and Grand Opening of the New Departure and Arrival Terminals.

The long wait for a revamped Entebbe International Airport is finally over and thanks again to the NAM Conference and G77 Summit.

The poor state of Entebbe Airport has for long been a huge dent to Uganda’s destination image and responsible for the bad perception and negative reviews from different international travelers who visited previously.
However, this week marks a new dawn for Uganda and sets up a remarkable chapter for the Tourism Industry in Uganda. Why? Because the New Departure and Arrivals Terminals at Entebbe International Airport have been officially opened to the public.

Entebbe International Airport is one of the most critical components of Uganda’s tourism infrastructure being the only international Airport and getway into Uganda. The new state of the Art terminals will by all means be a game changer for Uganda Tourism as it will greatly improve on Uganda’s brand perception and ranking as a top tier tourism destination in Africa. Most importantly, the traveler experience as they arrive and exit the country at Entebbe Airport will be seamless and contribute immensely to growth of tourist arrivals into Uganda.

3. The New Kampala City Fly-Over project

A Capital City is a hallmark in a any Country’s National Brand and Perceived Brand identity as as a Top Tourism Destination. If a Capital City is in shambles, the resultant negative impact on the Destination Brand will be obviously disastrous. However if a Capital city shines, the destination will definitely shine. Such is the anticipated contribution of the Kampala City Fly Over Project to Uganda’s overall Destination image.

The New Kampala City  Fly-Over Project is set to be completed in time for NAM and G77 + China Summit. This is a special gift not only to the residents of Kampala but most importantly to Uganda’s Tourism Industry. The New fly-over project will not only ease movement in and out of the city but is also an Architectural marvel that will definitely be a Tourist attraction on it’s own. This will boost Kampala City’s image as one of the must visit cities in Africa but also contribute immensely to Uganda’s brand perception  as a Top Tourist Destination.

It is paramount to note that the Tourism Products and attractiveness  of any competitive Tourism Destination heavily rely on availability of modern  infrastructure and Uganda has now taken a giant leap forward with these infrastructural acquisitions.

There are a host of other benefits that will accrue to Uganda’s Tourism sector as a result of the NAM Conference forinstance the massive publicity , improved safety and security among others. However the 3 infrastructural landmarks mentioned above are the real game changers for Uganda’s Tourism.

By Eddy Kirya
The Writer is a Uganda Tourism & Hospitality Consultant,
CEO at Eyalama Adventures Ltd,
Outgoing Board Member at Uganda Tourism Board ( UTB).