Training  Ugandan tour operators  how to attract the Asian travel market has commenced, instituted by travel and tourism sales and consulting firm, PHG Consulting-China, which was hired last year  by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

UTB Chairman Daudi Migereko, who spoke during the launch, emphasised the need for the tour operators to understand the spending types, budgets, and what attracts Chinese tourists. “Our assignment is to grow the current number of visitors from 1.6million. We believe tapping into the Chinese market will help us to increase the numbers.”

PHG Consulting-China Travel Sales Director, Catherine Mei, said  over 500 000 Chinese visitors travelled to Africa, many of whom had a higher spend rate than travellers from other countries.

Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the UTB, said it was important for Uganda to promote culture and biodiversity to the Chinese market, given that it was one of the leading attractions for the Chinese. She urged the tour operators to take advantage of the training, and learn to appreciate the Chinese culture  to be able to package the right products to meet their needs and demands.

Buganda, Tooro, and Bunyoro in Uganda, are well known for preserving their local heritage and culture, which is a tourism sector that interests Chinese travelers. “If we work together with them, we will be able to offer the perfect product for the Chinese market,” concluded Ajarova.