THE benefit of a national air carrier has been greatly adduced to include promotion of trade and tourism, especially as it contribute to national tourism earnings. It also boost a country’s competitiveness by giving businesses faster access to a wider range of raw materials, more skilled labour, larger market for goods and services, as well as allowing for more production of new products.
On this premise, the Quality Assurance Manager, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Samora Semakula, noted that the importance of a national air carrier cannot be over-emphasized in destination marketing as it ensures seamless connectivity and inflow of tourists, business travellers and corporate organisations to the country to explore its tourism offerings.
Semakula disclosed during a roundtable discussion with the Nigerian travel media at Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos. He noted that Nigeria is one of the five source markets for Uganda Tourism Board and the connecting flight between the two countries, which was launched recently would ensure smoother and more robust tourism, cultural and business exchanges between Nigeria and Uganda.
Recall that Ugadan Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda had its inaugural flight on Thursday October 19, 2023, after months of planning, checks and fulfillment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) requirements.
The A330-800 aircraft, which took off from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, with passengers and a government delegation landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, amid a ceremonial water cannon salute from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) fire fighting and rescue services.
The inaugural flight marks the commencement of three-weekly flights to Lagos, with the Nigerian government further granting approval for operations to Abuja and Kano airports in line with the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM).
According to Semakula, with three and half hours flight from Entebbe to Lagos, and cheaper airfare, Uganda is a better offer for the Nigerian holiday makers, pilgrims and business travelers and even those seeking to connect the world through East Africa.
Commenting on the issue visa, the UTB boss stated that Ugandan visa regime has always been friendly, but with the flight and more passengers set to flock the country, the country has put in place a smoother visa processing system, which offers visas within 24 hours, amid efficient online processing for visitors on-the-go.
He noted that flight connection development is well-received by the Nigerian travelers who are clamouring for cheaper airfares, shorter flight time to East Africa and ease connectivity for Europe, Middle East and Asia from West and East Africa.
Highlighting the numerous tourism offerings and potential that abound in the country, Semakula aver that these offerings are top among the reasons to visit Uganda, which is dubbed the Pearl of Africa.
“Uganda is the Pearl of Africa because of its diverse natural endowment and beauty. Some of Africa’s most sought-after species live in Uganda, like the Big Five, we have the highest number of the world’s gorillas and the chimpanzees are there too.
“Uganda is also the source of River Nile, the longest river in the world, and home to Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. It has a diverse culture across 56 tribes, and there is harmony among the people, while the country is peaceful, politically and economically stable. You need to visit Uganda,” he explained.
According to him, Uganda also offers exciting nightlife to visitors, addibg that the Namugongo Shrine will appeal to those on pilgrimage, especially the Catholic and Anglican faithfuls from Nigeria, who need to hear and connect to the Uganda Martyrs story.
He noted that the country also boasts of Rwenzori Mountain, which is over 5,000 feet above sea level. For wildlife, Semakula said that wildlife lovers will be enthralled by the many national parks and their rare species.
“There is Murchison Falls where River Nile passes through, Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will find the tree climbing lions, Kidepo Valley National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where we have the gorillas, Lake Mburo National Park, a bird species haven; Semliki National Park, Mga-Hinga Gorilla National Park and many others,” the UTB executive said.
Semakula further assured that the UTB is working with its Nigerian travel trade partners, tour operators, travel agencies, travel media and now the Uganda Airlines to make the Nigerian-Uganda connection seamless.
Excited at the seamless connectivity milestone, Jenifer Bamuturaki, chief executive officer, Uganda Airlines, noted that the journey to more connected Africa has begun with about a three and half hours flight from Entebbe to Lagos.
According to her, with shorter flight time, Nigerian passengers connecting to Mumbai or Dubai do not have to go 10 hours across directions, as Entebbe offers it in four and a half hours.
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