Tourism, Uganda Cranes and a 200 million shillings deal
By The View Uganda Team
Emmanuel Okwi, the Cranes' Winger who delivered the winning goal.
In the wake of their victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda Cranes continues to win even outside the field.
A welcome announcement saw the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) pledge to partner with the victorious national football team to do more than just play football.
A team from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has since joined the Uganda Cranes in promoting and marketing destination Uganda in Egypt, home of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team led by the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda, insists that this is a big opportunity. “The African Cup brings together several travelers and holiday makers from all over the world to a host nation and this makes it a bountiful opportunity for Uganda to market her tourist attractions,” Kiwanda held.
To show their commitment therefore, a 200 million shillings sponsorship deal was offered to the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) to have UTB as there official tourism partner. This move according to the UTB boss, Lilly Ajarova, is meant to prioritize building of positive destination brand equity and brand value by creating high-level brand awareness. "Football is the world’s greatest sport and viewed by millions of fans across the world. In Uganda, the Uganda Cranes is the greatest football brand- but more importantly the leading sporting ambassadors to the region and the world. We want to open up brand Uganda to the massive sports audience where our national team participates," she said.
They have since invited dignitaries from all the AFCON 2019 participating nations to Uganda’s hospitality tent in Egypt and promise to treat them to a Ugandan experience. “We have also planned an open day where everyone will be invited to try out the Ugandan cuisine, learn the Ugandan culture as well as experience Ugandan hospitality,” Ajarova said.
