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IN 2007, almost 642,000 tourists visited Uganda compared to 540,000 in 2006. This number is considered the highest Uganda has ever experienced and thus represents an increase of almost 19% over the year before.

Tourism brought $449m into the economy in 2007 compared to $375m in 2006. It is presumed that over all each visitor to Uganda spends about $750 per visit thus the tourism industry’s contribution to the GDP has increased from 1.98% in 2006 to 2.33 % in 2007.

This is an indication that the tourism industry is not only continuing to grow but is also now recognised at the highest level for its significant impact on the Ugandan economy albeit the under-funding.

It is common knowledge that every visitor to Uganda who has a good experience in the country will attract five more to visit. But every visitor who gets a bad experience will discourage 10 people from visiting the country. Thus to attract visitors and keep them coming back, Uganda’s tourism industry must live to its reputation of variety and value as enshrined in its slogan, “The Pearl of Africa”.

The tourism product is more or less a dream. Thus the capability of tourism businesses to deliver what they promise and in a bid to satisfy customer expectations depends upon sound management practices. These can be achieved if we built on our brand name and collectively owned it.

At the moment Uganda has an uncoordinated and fragmented brand identity. Some are now referring to Uganda as “Africa’s friendliest Country” others “Gifted by Nature” while others refer to Uganda as “The Pearl of Africa” which to most of us still stands out from the new coined slogans.

We cannot say that we exclusively own brands such as “Gifted by Nature” or “Africa’s friendliest Country”.

Several countries the world over are friendly and gifted by nature. And in any case this brand “Gifted by Nature” leaves us at risk of losing our most treasured cultures as opposed to a brand name like “The Pearl of Africa” which is all-embracing.

At one of the stakeholders’ meetings called by the Ministry of Tourism to enlighten us on the importance of embracing MICE, state minister for tourism Jovino Akaki, asked if our country should be marketed as “The Pearl of Africa” or “Gifted by Nature”. Which is which? To answer the above, those who came preferred “Gifted by Nature” made one mistake!

They did not do an audit of the brand “The Pearl of Africa”, thus leading to the current confusion. Those who coined the slogan “Gifted by Nature”, did they also plan to change the national anthem? When you listen to the national anthem, the writer must have had “Pearl of Africa” at the back of his mind.

Marketers’ know that a good brand will surely project Uganda’s strengths while recognising its weaknesses. I strongly feel that re-branding to our original slogan “The Pearl of Africa” will enable us re-position ourselves well on the international market.

However, this will necessitate the government to lead the way in the re-branding process. We all know that media organisations world over can not create a good brand for our country.

They always seem to be more interested in “bad news” such as civil strife and disasters. If Ugandans can recall; late last year we hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The presence of top media organisations was an opportunity for our country to be known globally.

However, when the top media houses (Sky News, CNN) and many others reached here, they headed north and east and started covering the floods and lifestyles of the people in the internally displaced people’s camps! If my memory serves me well, Al Jazeera is one of the few that briefly showcased the CHOGM event.

Focused marketers/planners would have “forced” or given free offers to these top media houses to visit our marvellous nationals parks and cultural sites.

To my dismay, the organisers were busy dining with them instead of exploiting the opportunities at hand. I concur with the analysis of my good friend Amos Wekesa; who says that the event was arranged the way we handle weddings in Uganda.

There were good organising committees having lots of money to spend without prioritising the expenses. For political mileage, yes CHOGM was a success. But I have reservations to the overall benefit of the event to the tourism industry in Uganda.

In light of the above, there is need for the government of Uganda to re-invest in its brand as well as management and promotion of that brand. Government will need to create a public-private sector partnership if this is to be achieved.

Tour operators, hoteliers, and other small and medium scale tourism enterprises must be involved as this will enable everyone to own the brand thereby naturally promoting it.

What we are having at the moment is those few that are for “Gifted by Nature” while the majority still believe the best brand is “The Pearl of Africa”. We will also need to do more than re-branding if we are to capture the international market.

Any serious government will have to reconsider having a national carrier. Look at successful tourist destinations in Africa. Airline brands complement national brands. For instance Kenya is supplemented by the ‘pride of Africa’ inscribed on all Kenya airways flights; Air Tanzania, ‘the wings of Kilimanjaro’ to mention but a few.

However, now that the tourism bill was passed by parliament and due to be enacted into law, we need to start by restructuring UTB (now re- branded as Tourism Uganda).

As the marketing organ for Uganda’s tourism; emphasis should be on creating/ strengthening the research department. More so, realising that we are now in a “global village” with the internet as the main mode of communication and marketing; there is need to employ few but well paid staff that not only have knowledge in global tourism trends but also some training/ knowledge in information technology.

This industry is now more of website-based thus marketing through this mode is the most ideal option.

As we reposition ourselves, we also need to ask some questions:

* Which markets are we organizing ourselves to win?

* How do we target them?

* Where will the guests /tourists stay when they visit our national parks?

My focus for now will be on the last question. Most of our national parks are now exclusively operated by a few individuals with lodges. Matters are even made worse by the management agreements Uganda Wildlife Authority has signed with these ‘investors’.

Agreements for exclusivity have been signed covering not only big chunks of the park land but also stretching over periods of over 20 years! If we are to all benefit from our resources, there needs to be equitable use of these resources.

The Government not only needs to increase funding to the UTB but it should also strengthen the boards’ research department as this will help us understand visitor needs, perceptions as well as obstacles as we plan to market.

For more information http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry080508-024210 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 it has also had 22 years of dramatic tourism growth. It has been voted Number one birding destination in Africa, and is home to the highest number of the remaining world Mountain Gorillas.

The tourism industry is labour intensive and employs a high proportion of women and young people in the country side. Development of this industry is a challenge that needs to be addressed by effective private-public partnerships.

According to an Asian proverb; "tourism is like a fire, you can cook your meal with it or it can burn your house down".

At the official launch of the Association of Uganda Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Tourism and Hospitality (AUSMETHO); the Minister of state for Trade Hon Nelson Gagawala Wambuzi said that the creation of this association was indeed in synergy with governments quest to promote local and foreign investments in tourism so that this important sector would become a key means of poverty eradication.

AUSMETHO is a membership non governmental organization that was established to promote formation of public-private partnerships with key stake holders of the tourism industry in harmony with Small and Medium Enterprises challenges. This association not only brings together all the small and medium scale enterprises in tourism and hospitality in Uganda but also aims at promoting and setting standards of services among its members.

According to Hon Gagawala, the government of Uganda has continually demonstrated its support to revitalization of the tourism industry and empowerment of local governments and communities in a bid to manage and benefit from sustainable use of natural resources.

The Minster also noted that it was good to see AUSMETHO going ahead to bring together the small and medium enterprises that make up a big part of Uganda's tourism industry. The enterprises under consideration range from micro, small and medium scale business that include lodges, bars, pubs, restaurants , handicraft makers, curio shops , hotels publishers to mention but a few.

Tourism as we all know is built on natural and cultural resources which are usually among the few assets owned by the poor. Gaggawala further noted that the activities of village craft makers, small curio shops, restaurants, lodges, small bars and hotels are all areas for poverty eradication and ultimate development of our country.

AUSMETHO has come at an opportune time when the tourism industry demands standards, professional services at all levels of service, poverty eradication in our communities, domestic tourism development and sustainability coupled with entrepreneurial skills.

However, it should be noted that most SME's in tourism and hospitality face a number of challenges that include; high cost of finance and constrained access to credit, lack of start up business, poor entrepreneurship and inadequate skills, in adequate opportunities to support technological transfer and low lobbying and bargaining capacity.

Realising that the firms in this segment face the afore mentioned challenges coupled with a high death rate, there is need for government to channel the "Bonna Baggagawale" funds through AUSMETHO.

With over 85% of the workforce in Uganda's tourism sector being employed by the Small and Medium Enterprises characterized by the emerging competitive tourism products, such as tree climbing, butterfly watching, cultural tourism, bird watching, water related activities, the Fund will be envisaged for success in poverty eradication.

For more information http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry080506-012844 Kampala

Out of the estimated 720 mountain gorillas left in the world, 340 can be found in the jungles of Bwindi Forest National Park that has over 32 families. A family of gorillas is made up of between 10 and 30 members that include one or two Silverbacks and several juvenile/ Blackbucks.

Of the 32 groups, only 4 have so far been habituated for tourism purposes though 2 other groups are likely to be open for tourism by the end of this year. The selling of gorilla permits has since the early 1990's been the sole responsibility of Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) as mandated by act of parliament.

However, recently UWA decided to "privatize" one of the habituated groups i.e. the Nkuringo family of gorillas. With effect from August 08, it is said that the buying of Nkuringo permits will be done through the Uganda Safari Company (TUSC). Which to most of us was not fair given the competitiveness and scarcity of the permits? Under no circumstances should permits be sold by a private operator and certainly owning a lodge should not be a reason for 6 of the 8 permits to be sold by TUSC on behalf of NCDF.

At a recent stakeholders meeting convened by UWA at Hotel Equatoria, the Executive Director UWA was asked to throw more light on this concession and having had no clear answer at the time, promised to call another meeting that till now has never taken place.

It’s sad that now we are fast loosing hold of the stakes and worse still, the concession agreement has already been signed between UWA/NCDF & the Uganda Safari Company. If this trend of events is not stopped soon, this scramble for our natural resources will have all National parks privatized.

The implication of this move is that businesses like Internet Cafes, Restaurants/Hoteliers such as Heritage Lodge, Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel and craft sellers will lose out on business. This endangers the gorillas, as locals will not see any point in protecting the gorillas they are not benefiting from.

Besides, the whole industry will be affected given that budget travellers cannot afford the kind of fees lodges owned by these individuals charge while, the high-end travellers (who are few in number) may afford it. So far these lodges charge USD450 per person per night with a further condition that a minimum of two nights has to be booked.

This means that a single client will spend $900 on accommodation plus an extra $500 on the permit. This however, does not include transport, administrative costs and government tax. If this is not robbery then what is it?

Do not be surprised when tours operators opt to go in for Rwanda gorilla permits other than promote their own countries. I suggest this agreement be cancelled and UWA takes on its responsibility of selling all gorilla permits as mandated by Act of parliament.


For more information http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry071004-024345 Kampala, Uganda

Gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and humans all belong to the order primates. Humans share 97.7% of their genetic material with gorillas and 98.4% with chimpanzees. Gorillas; the largest of the great Apes are divided into three subspecies that include the western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla graueri). The eastern and western lowland gorillas were identified for science in 1847 and 1877 respectively.

The third sub specie – the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) was identified for science purposes in the year 1903 and has gone on to become Uganda’s star attraction. Mountain gorillas are physically distinct from lowland gorillas. They are larger, have much hair, a short trunk, a broad chest / shoulders and also have a longer / slightly different nose shape.

They are born small, covered with black hair and usually weigh about 2.3 kilograms. Gorillas develop about as twice as human babies with the mature female mother also under going a gestation period of 9 months. They are unique species; as a gorilla with an infant may not have another baby up to four years – good family planning.

Male and female young gorillas between the ages of three and six are classed as juvenile. During this period, both the male and female gorillas have a black skin and thick black hair and usually weigh about 2.3 kilograms. They increase in size and weight at similar rates for the first six years. On reaching six years; most Mountain gorillas weigh about 68 kilograms and are usually about 4 feet tall.

The female Mountain gorilla stop growing taller as they mature at around six years, this is as opposed to the male Mountain gorillas that continue growing both in size and weight past the age of six till they reach the ages of ten to eleven.

Between the ages of six and ten years, male gorillas have a black hair colour and are thus referred to as the Blackbacks. On reaching maturity which is usually between 10 and 12 years, the male Mountain Gorillas develop silvery grey hairs on their backs thereby being referred to as Silverbacks.

(Photo by Baluku Geoffrey) The Silverback usually leave their parental group at the age of 11 and then moves alone or in the company of other males for a few years before managing to attract females from other groups to him hence forming his own family. Silver back is a dominant male in a group of about 12 or more gorillas that usually include females, juveniles and other infants.

On a good day, you will find them chewing leaves, laughing and farting not only continuously but with a lot of contentment. They are diurnal (nomadic), sleeping each night in a fresh nest built from leaves and branches. Mountain gorillas are primarily vegetarian with their menu comprising bamboo, nettles and gallium being some of their favorite.

They occasionally also eat safari ants which are scooped in huge handfuls to stuff into the mouth until the safari ant bites over power them. Gorillas spend most of their time traveling and foraging in search of food since plants and trees change with seasons.

Gorillas communicate through vocalizations. Twenty five distinct vocalizations have so far been recognized with each one having its own particular meaning. As an element of their socialization, they communicate through howls, grunts, barks and hoots. Screams and roars signal alarm or warning and are often produced by silverbacks. They also communicate by beating on their chests or on the ground. This is done to show stature, prevent a fight or even scare off opponents. However, even the infants beat their chests as a kind of displacement activity during play perhaps just to copy their elders.
Mountain gorilla life is peaceful and quite. It is from this that they have come to be called Africa’s Gentle Giants.

These gentle giants are found in the areas of Parc des Volcans – Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while in Uganda, they are confined to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi “impenetrable” Forest National park.

Bwindi “impenetrable” Forest National park is situated in south western Uganda on the edge of western rift valley (Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. It is 331 square kilometers in size; on an altitude range of 1,160 metres (Ishasha gorge) to 2607 metres (Rwamanyonyi peak). According to the census carried out between April and June 2006, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now has a total of 30 gorilla groups. Of the 30 groups, five are habituated of which four are utilized for tourism while one is used for research. The total number of gorillas in Bwindi is 340 which is almost over half of the total estimated 720 Mountain gorillas in the world. The park was gazzetted in 1992 as a National park and is now a UNESCO world heritage site.
On being gazzetted as a National park, African Pearl Safaris (APS) is on record to have been the first indigenous tour operator to take clients gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. This company (APS) has stood the test of time and is now revered in the tourism fraternity because of their knowledgeable staff who also have an enviable grasp and mastery of Uganda’s tourism industry. African Pearl Safaris is proud to be boosting Uganda’s tourism by continuing to conduct gorilla safaris to Bwindi. It is now on record that Gorilla trekking provides over 50% of tourism revenue for Uganda thus being a strong reason for their protection.

Currently, even with the conservation efforts being implemented so as to protect Africa’s Gentle Giants – the Mountain Gorillas, several media reports continue indicating that these species are on the decline. A case in point is a BBC report (September 2007) which reported that “Gorillas head race to extinction”. The reasoning was that in light of the massive movement of people in the region and growing “insecurity” in the virunga area could be among the causes of the death of 9 mountain gorillas that have been killed from the start of this year.

Uncertainty continues over who kills them and a mystery remains in the hearts of conservationists as to why it’s done. There is an urgent need for conservationists and the governments of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC to explore the missing gaps so as to save these endangered animals.


For more information http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry070423-100501 Kampala, Uganda-

The number of the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the famed Bwindi Forest - Uganda has shot up from 300 in 1997 to 340 according to results that were carried out last year.

Mr. Moses Mapesa, the Executive Director Uganda Wild life Authority (UWA) says that the 12% growth in numbers is a clear indication that wildlife conservation programs being implemented in Bwindi Forest National park continue to produce positive results. He further notes that the total population of mountain gorillas in the world stands at about 720 with half that number in Uganda alone.

According to the census carried out between April and June 2006, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now has a total of 30 gorilla groups up from 28 in 1997 with the numbers in each group varying between 3 and 28. The census which was supported by several conservation groups also found 11 solitary males which are not yet attached to a particular family.

The census found that the percentage proportion of groups with several males (multimale) fell from 45% in the 1997 and 2002 censuses to 23% in the 2006 census. According to a UWA press statement; this represents a normal fluctuation in the dynamics of gorilla groups.

Of the 30 groups, five are habituated of which four are utilised for tourism while one is used for research. The five habituated gorilla groups have a total of 76 gorillas constituting 23% of the total gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because of the increase in the gorilla population, UWA has started a habituation process for two more groups in Rushega and Ruhija in abid to boost Tourism revenue and satisfy the increasing public demand for gorilla tracking.

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

Mapesa adds that the population contains a sufficient number of adult breeding females, as well as a sufficient number of adult breeding females, as well as a large proportion of immature individuals who will become breeding individuals in the near future.


For more info: http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry070421-033940 Kampala, Uganda

In line with efforts to harmonise management of gorilla tourism in the region, the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to work towards harmonisation of the gorilla tracking fees in all the 3 countries. Based on the prevailing socio-political environment in the respective countries as a first step Uganda and Rwanda agreed to charge US$500 per permit for foreign non-residents effective July 1, 2007. East Africans and foreign residents will pay US$475 per permit.

Mr. Mapesa Moses – Executive Director Uganda Wild Life Authority says this has been brought about due to recent regional events which have necessitated that the fees be reviewed. Tariffs for other tourist activities and services will remain unchanged as per the 2006-2008 tariff rates.

Uniform pricing for gorilla tourism will help to strengthen the already existing collaborative management arrangements between the three countries especially in the areas of research, monitoring, eco-tourism, and community-based conservation.

All three countries offer gorilla trekking as one of the main tourism activity, and various tour companies such as African Pearl Safaris operate in all three countries, which necessitated harmonising the procedures for booking gorilla permits, giving refunds, giving incentives to the private sector, as well as the general gorilla rules.

In October 2005, the Ministers of Tourism in the three countries signed a declaration of support for formalising the transboundary collaborative management of the gorilla national parks especially in the areas of research, monitoring and tourism.The three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world, about 700 in total. Over half of these are found in Uganda.

Civil and political conflicts, poaching, illegal trade and habitat destruction contributed to the decline in the population of gorillas over the past decades, but increased vigilance in law enforcement as well as a stronger working relationship with the local communities have helped stem the decline in recent years and now the gorilla population is actually increasing.

Uganda has four habituated gorilla groups, each of which is allowed 8 a maximum of visitors per day. Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) provides gorilla trekking services on a daily basis, and trekking can last between a few hours to a whole day.

We welcome you to visit these gentle giants.

Discover the “Pearl of Africa” - Uganda with African Pearl Safaris

Website: www.africanpearlsafaris.com]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry070416-101005 Kampala

On April 14th a group of ten Russians comprising eight tour operators and two journalists arrived in Uganda.The Russian Tour Operators are expected to be here for nine days and will sign memoranda of understanding and contracts with their Ugandan counterparts.

African Pearl Safaris (APS) is once again proud to be associated with the promotion of Uganda Tourism in the Russian market as we believe this will ultimately open the visitor flood gates of Eastern Europe to the Pearl of Africa.

Go Uganda, Go the Pearl of Africa!!!!!!

Website: www.africanpearlsafaris.com

]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry070413-091321 Kampala

Uganda is due to host the Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November this year. Among the dignatiries expected are the Queen of England and other important guests such as Presidents and Prime Ministers of most of the common wealth countries.

In light of this important meeting, a NEW air traffic control radar is to be commissioned at Entebbe International Airport by August this year. Officials of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) say the 15.8b gadget is part of the shs 76b expansion and renovation project that Entebbe International Airport is undergoing ahead of CHOGM.

According to Ambrose Akandonda - the civil aviation chief, he says that a CHOGM inspection team recently toured the airport and that they were impressed with the developments. He also added that all heads of state expected will land at the new terminal under construction.

Other areas under renovation and expansion are the arrival hall, baggage reclaim and customs area plus the departure check in. Also expected are five other security watch towers.]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry070410-080303 Kampala, Uganda-

What is CHOGM?

CHOGM is an acronym for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that is usually held every two (2) years and brings together Commonwealth leaders to discuss Commonwealth and global issues.

History of CHOGM
Commonwealth leaders have met regularly for more than a century with their first meetings, known as Colonial Conferences, which began in 1887. Imperial Conferences later replaced the colonial conferences in 1911.

These were later to become the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations Prime Ministers Meetings in 1944. With the independence of India and Pakistani in 1947, and there inclusion in the Commonwealth, the subsequent meet became known as the Commonwealth of Nations Prime Ministers Meeting with the words British and Empire being permanently dropped.

In 1971 at the Singapore meeting, the term Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was adopted to encompass Presidents, Prime Ministers and Monarchs. Since then, the Common Heads of Government Meetings have continued to take place on a biennial basis.

Importance of CHOGM

CHOGM is the biggest Heads of Government meeting that brings together leaders sharing a common language that is English.

In these meetings, all nations regardless of size have an equal say and vote as all decisions and initiatives are only reached by consensus.

Quick Commonwealth Facts

• Founded: 1931
• Headquarters (Secretariat): Marlborough House, London
• Members: 53 states
• Population: 1.8 billion (30% of world population)
• Key meeting: CHOGM

African Pearl Safaris (APS) is proud to be associated with CHOGM 2007

www.africanpearlsafaris.com

]]> http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/index.php?entry=entry070326-101857 The safaris include gorilla trekking, wildlife, game viewing and eco-tourism.

African Pearl Safaris is one of the oldest indigenous safari companies in Uganda. It was the first company to take tourists for gorilla tracking in Bwindi 1993.

The company has grown into one of the top safari providers with excellent safari cars, top guides and expertise in service delivery.

[url=http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com]http://www.africanpearlsafaris.com[/url] ]]>