The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has launched a new “Explore Uganda” mobile application with an aim of offering a comprehensive digital tool aimed at boosting the country’s global visibility and enhancing the travel experience for both domestic and international tourists.
According to the country’s tourism authorities, the new app consolidates all key tourism-related information in one place, from attractions and accommodation facilities to real-time event updates and interactive maps.
The new app, according to authorities, is a major step in modernizing the country’s tourism industry, positioning it as a top global destination, and leveraging the latest technology to cater for contemporary travelers.
Key features of the “Explore Uganda” app include personalized itineraries, user-friendly navigation with interactive maps, and multi-currency financial functionalities that support currency exchange rates.
Additionally, it integrates a feedback system and in-app customer support to improve the overall user experience.
The app supports multiple languages (English, Swahili, French, Spanish, and German), making it accessible to a wider audience.
One of its distinct advantages is that only licensed tourism businesses are featured, ensuring quality and trustworthiness for users.
According to Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer Ms Lilly Ajarova, the app is designed to “transform how travelers explore our country” emphasising its real-time updates and interactive nature.
She believes that this technological advancement will help showcase Uganda’s “natural beauty, rich heritage, and diverse culture and elevate the country’s tourism on the global stage.
The UTB Board Chairperson, Ms Pearl Kakooza, noted that the app will increase Uganda’s visibility and provide a much-needed platform for industry players to easily market their products.
Comparing the “Explore Uganda” app to those from tourism giants like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, the key differentiator lies in its comprehensive functionality.
While Kenya and Tanzania have long-established tourism industries, their apps often focus primarily on major national parks and wildlife tours. Rwanda’s tourism app, for instance, focuses heavily on promoting gorilla trekking and eco-tourism.
However, the “Explore Uganda” app is not only focused on wildlife but also includes cultural tourism, community-based tourism, and lesser-known attractions, providing a more holistic view of the country’s offerings.
Moreover, the addition of real-time weather updates and location-based event discovery sets it apart from its regional counterparts, which often lack this level of personalization and local engagement.
The State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra lauded the consolidation of Uganda’s tourism message under the slogan “Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa,” but highlighted the need for better budgetary support to market the app globally.
He emphasized the importance of aggressive marketing strategies to ensure that the app reaches its potential, noting that without visibility and uptake, its success cannot be fully realized.
Private sector stakeholders have expressed optimism about the app’s ability to improve the marketing of Uganda’s tourism attractions, especially those located in remote areas.
Mr Dennis Ntege, a director at Adrift and Wildwaters Lodge, mentioned that the app offers an opportunity for both well-known and lesser-known monuments to shine equally on a global stage.
Overall, the app’s blend of modern features and inclusivity sets it apart from regional competitors. Its emphasis on community-based tourism, supported by local tech professionals, especially women developers, also adds a unique social impact dimension.
This focus on inclusivity, alongside its comprehensive suite of tools and global outreach potential, marks a significant leap forward for Uganda’s tourism sector.
The app is expected to play a crucial role in helping Uganda reclaim its status as a top destination, particularly after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly affected tourist numbers.
With visitor numbers climbing again, this app could prove to be a transformative tool in reaching Uganda’s goal of attracting 5 million visitors annually in the coming years.