Category: uncategolised

UWA cuts park entry fees by 50% in festive season promotion

It is going to be a good season for visitors, both local and international to the country’s national parks after the Uganda Wildlife Authority announced they had slashed the entry fees by 50%.

The three-month-long offer will start on December 1, 2020 up to March 31, 2021.

“Our visitors are at the heart of our conservation efforts and as we enter into the festive season, we are glad to be able to reward them for their continued support throughout the years and more especially through this period of Covid-19 pandemic,” UWA said in a communication to all tourism stakeholders.

The 50% discount also counts on birding activities whereas gorilla tracking fees have been reduced from shs250,000 to shs150,000 for East African citizens while foreign residents will be required to pay $300 from $600 for the same activity.

For foreign non-residents, they will be required to pay $400 from the usual $700.

According to the communication by UWA, East African Community members will pay shs100,000 only to track chimpanzees from shs150,000 whereas foreigner residents will part with only $100 from $150 and foreign non -residents will be required to pay $150 from the usual $200.

“The reduction on gorilla and chimp fees will only apply to new purchases between December 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and not on reschedules of already deposited on permits or purchases using credit letter,” UWA says.

Despite being left bleeding by the Coronavirus pandemic, Uganda’s tourism sector has slowly by slowly been picking up.

For example, domestic tourism has taken shape in the new normal where visitors are required to adhere to standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of the virus.

With such incentives like the slashing of entrance fees to the country’s parks by UWA, more visitors are expected to throng the tourism sites.

Elgon region still groaning under the Covid-19 lockdown effects

Before the coronavirus pandemic struck and changed the world, the Elgon region was one of the thriving tourist spots bringing in millions of shillings in annual revenue. Found in eastern Uganda, the Elgon region is home to several tourist attractions, including Mt Elgon National Park, Sipi Falls, bull fighting, culture tour, Wanale Ridge, coffee tours, and Bamasaba Imbalu, among others.
According to Uganda Wildlife Authority, the region received between 1000-1500 clients a year before Covid-19 struck.

But with the pandemic and consequent lockdown, tour companies, hotels and game parks the numbers have significantly reduced to the tens. Many foreign tourists and business travellers postponed or cancelled their travel to Uganda, leaving hotels and cultural tours abandoned.
At Sipi Falls, known as the hikers paradise located in Kapchorwa District, a majority of bars, hotels, and lodges still remain vacant.

Ruth Akello, a supplier of poultry products in the region, is currently out of business and also had to sell off her car to pay off a business loan.
“I had got a loan of Shs15m before Covid-19 hit but I failed to pay it back following the closure of hotels. When the money lender threatened me with arrest, the only solution was to sell personal assets in order to raise money for the loan payment. So I decided to sell my car,” Akello shares.

However, following the easing of the lockdown, UWA announced the opening of parks for tourism but with several Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed by both tourists and staff to avoid the spread of the virus.
UWA also announced a host of incentives aimed at reviving the tourism sector.  The incentives include reduced fees for several activities in the various parks and an extra free day, among others.  UWA has also provided commission for tour operators who bring visitors to the country’s parks.

Projections
Christine Lynn Nakayenze, a senior warden in charge of tourism at UWA, notes that although the sector was badly affected, it is slowly picking up with about seven to 10 visitors a day.  This is a significant drop from the more than 40 visitors they used to receive before the pandemic.
“It is going to be a process. We need between eight  and 10 months to recover from the economic shock,” Nakayenze projects.

However, even with these incentives, business is still at its lowest. Saleh Namenya, the chief executive officer of Casa Uganda Safaris and Lodges, decries the persistent lack of clients.
“Guest numbers have continued to plunge and we were forced to send our staff home. We have only kept key staff,” Namenya says. This lack of business has put the future of several tour companies in peril, especially those with bank loans to service.

“In addition to servicing their loans, some establishments are also struggling to meet other financial obligations such as water and electricity bills, salaries and taxes. We want leaders to evaluate the impact of the pandemic before collecting money from us. Businesses are trying to recover yet the government wants revenue from our businesses. If we cannot afford to pay salaries,  how does the government expect us to be able to get NSSF?” he wonders.

In a bid to attract more clients, Namenya says the company has since invested more in information technology such as developing social media platforms and an app. “Covid-19 has helped us to rethink businesses, creativity and innovation. We have also started pricing and packaging afresh,” he says. Namenya appeals to government to invest in tourism in the country to attract revenue. “We need to attract tourism. The eastern region has only one national park. We need the government to upgrade Pian-upe. The roads are also poor and yet roads are a crucial element of the industry,” he remarks.
According to Namenya, the government has a role in supporting businesses to recover from losses.
For Dennis Mukungu, a tour guide, the lockdown has had both a positive and negative impact on the sector.

“Hotels are operating at half capacity, which means jobs have been lost in the process. However, lodges and hotels in the region and across revised their rates to attract the local clientele.   The revised hotel rates also enabled the tour companies to offer affordable and attractive customised packages for the locals, giving our people an opportunity to enjoy services normally reserved for the wealthy and the foreigner,” Mukungu notes.

But there is not enough traffic from local tourism since tours along Mt Elgon National Park, Sipi falls, Pian-Upe wildlife reserve, Wanale Ridge, Bamasaba Cultural Imbalu, the safari vehicles that normally ply the tourism sites in the region are abandoned and luxury camps gather dust.

Lessons
Elvis Masiga, the chief executive officer and founder of Lulu Safaris Uganda, says the lockdown devastated the tourism sector.
“Most tour operators woke up to no inquiries from tourists. There has totally been no business for us.  Everything that supports our trade such as parks, hotels and resorts were all closed. We also learned a few things such as not to keep all our eggs in one basket and to embrace local tourism,” Masiga says.

He advises Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and government to borrow a leaf from our neighbors Kenya and Rwanda on how to effectively promote tourism in Uganda more than before. Masiga reveals that although his company has only four permanent staff, it provided jobs for other support staff that has since been made redundant.

“We have been greatly affected and we are still planning how to recover from the economic shock which left us in debts. We are now doing local safaris, the little money that we get out of this helps also in boosting social media platforms and online marketing. We have to do intensive marketing to lure more tourists and also stay positive and accept the new changes that have come along the pandemic,” he says.

Counting losses
Isaiah Weboya, the general manager of Elgon Hotel in Mbale City, says the sector has lost many jobs as a result of the restrictions of international movements. He said although the government lifted some restrictions, the turn up of the guests is still low.

“Many people cannot afford to come to the hotel to have a meal or accommodation because of the effects of the Covid-19. People are doing badly economically,” he notes.
According to the manager, before covid-19, they were receiving about 70 tourists every day, a figure they are yet to see again.
The managing director, Rocky Hotel in Mbale City, Lucy Chemtai, describes the current situation as a big blow to the sector. “We have been counting losses since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country. Business has gone down dramatically. It has affected our income. The orders have gone down and investors are struggling  so hard they can barely sustain their businesses,” Chemtai laments. She is, however, hopeful that with the reopening of borders and Entebbe International Airport, business will eventually return to normal.

“We have seen a spike in bookings this month but it will take some time to recover from the Covid-19 lockdown-induced losses. People still do not have money and we are getting few clients at the moment. The curfew also affects our revenue. People are always in fear of being arrested and, therefore, their stay with us is always brief, which means they spend less than they would have spent if they were not limited by time,” she says.

Attractions
Sipi Falls:
Sipi Falls is popularly known for its three water falls. There are walks and hikes that start from varying points the most common being that which starts at the Sip falls River Lodge.
The Sipi falls area is the starting point for many hikes up to Mt Elgon. Hikes around the sipi falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga and the slopes of Mt Elgon.
Some of the activities at Sipi falls including Sipi coffee tour, Sabiny cultural walk, abseiling and rock climbing among others.

Mt Elgon
Mount Elgon National Park lies on the border of Uganda and Kenya in the Eastern region of Uganda. Mt National Elgon Park consists of a towering volcanic mountain crowned with a vast caldera as well as streams and valleys. Recently, UWA introduced mountain bike riding on Mt Elgon, a move aimed at attracting more tourists.

Challenges; In addition to servicing their loans, some establishments are also struggling to meet other financial obligations such as water and electricity bills, salaries and taxes. We want leaders to evaluate the impact of the pandemic before collecting money from us. As businesses are trying to recover yet the government wants revenue from our businesses. If we cannot afford to pay salaries how does the government expect us to be able to get NSSF?” Saleh Namenya, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Casa Uganda Safaris and Lodges, decries the persistent lack of clients.

Posted By: Bruce A

Tourism sector optimistic about the new normal

At the entrance of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is a requirement to wash your hands with soap. A properly masked ranger will direct you to the registration booth.

Before you register, another ranger will ask you to get sanitised and measure and record your body temperature. The pen you use to register will be sanitsed before you leave.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) office is another sanitising point before you can access the administrative and briefing centre. Someone will ask  you to sanitise the bags.

On the noticeboard is a chart with text and image illustrations from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on best practices to observe and the expected practice Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

All these are new developments as the sector reopens business after the pandemic  induced lockdown.

Even the brief has been revised to accommodate the new world in which the tourism sector finds itself. Joseph Arinaitwe, a park warden,  informs tourists that unlike before when they were required to keep a seven-metre distance from Mountain Gorillas, they are now expected to keep a 10-metre distance.

The primates have 98.7 percent human DNA and as such, caution is exercised in order for visitors not to risk transmitting any diseases to the prized tourism attractions. These new rules have caught on quickly and many hospitality facilities have adhered to the SOPs.

Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise
Ronald Kelly Kasozi is the housekeeping division manager at Kampala Serena Hotel. He explains that the five-star facility has instituted new protocols.  When they expect a guest from the airport, their driver is equipped with a mask, sanitiser for themselves and the guest.

“The car must be sanitised within the levers, door handles, and outside. As the guest approaches the hotel, we are alerted and do a pre-check in so that they do not come and queue up at the reception,” Kasozi explains.

On arrival, the guest’s luggage will be sanitised and loaded into the security machine and taken to their room. To register at the reception, he will be given a sanitised pen, briefed about the Covid-19 pandemic and how to avoid it by firstly wearing a facemask while on the premises. All lift landing areas have sanitisers. Each room has a Covid-19 kit. The manager says they are not keen on handling cash and encourage clients to book and pay online.

The reception area is sanitised every 45 minutes. The hotel has a systematised process with a Quick Response (CR) code. For now, the gym, spa, bars and swimming pool facilities are closed in adherence to the government restrictions. Nonetheless, there is still uncertainty on the inflow of foreign tourists so it has become important for hospitality facilities to rethink their sustenance strategy by particularly considering the option of attracting local tourists.

Cultivating a new base
Marasa Africa’s consulting general manager, Kenneth Mugira, says more than ever, it has become important for Marasa Africa to look into domestic tourism by introducing lower rates to draw them in.
Many tourism destinations in Uganda primarily target foreign tourists.

Many charge for their accommodation and services in dollars as opposed to the local currency.
Tourism enthusiast Gen Edward Katumba Wamala implores them to re-strategise by subsidising rates to appeal to Ugandans and local expatriates. A few have introduced ‘Covid rates’.

Previously, you would be charged $250 (about Shs925, 000) for a night at Rain Forest Lodge by City blue. At the moment, the rate has gone down to $70 (Shs262,067) per night and according to its director, Yasir Alam, more Ugandans now stay at the facility at  the weekends. To entice local tourists, the lodge runs a promotion during the week where if you book for two nights, you get one free, on a full board arrangement.

Tour and travel firms are a key affiliate to lodges since they attract tourists to the country and in turn liase with lodges for their stay as they partake of Uganda’s rich tourism attractions.

Repricing 
Raft Uganda’s Dennis Ntege explains that immediately after the lockdown was partially lifted, and private vehicles were allowed to operate, his company started receiving interest from Ugandan tourists who wanted to experience the spills and thrills of the Nile. The inquiries gave the water adventure company and its staff the idea to rethink their packages.

“Lowering pricing with various product offers is what we are pushing as a business to make it affordable for any potential client, whether domestic or international while reducing our operating costs without compromising safety and quality,” Ntege discloses.

“Tourism will definitely take time to stabilise but it is going to return. The budget travellers have been affected more as most of them lost their jobs and have to resettle and start saving for travel again,” argues Abiaz Rwamwiri, director of Africa Wild Explorations.

To him, the mid-range travellers will look for the best deals available and luxury travellers who are usually older, will wait to risk travelling far until a vaccine is found. Barrie Gotch is managing director of Mahogany Springs in the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. He says the facility receives a few local enquiries; one or two per month.

“And we have given extremely special offers for any local tourist,” he adds. Accommodation is cited by tourists as one of the deterrents to travel, giving what is termed as ‘mzungu prices’.

Lillian Kamusiime, the founder of Kigezi Bioata Tours confesses to initially feeling the pinch because she heavily relied on international tourists. She commends efforts by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to continually remind the entire world of the beauty of Uganda and announce that the destinations and hospitality facilities are ready to welcome tourists.

Lessons
The effect of the pandemic has taught many lessons. Mutamba Rubangira of Rada Safaris says his big lesson and observation is the need to focus more on local tourists and be deliberate in marketing to them. Gotch has learned that it is important to expect the unexpected and as such, prepare for bad times.

“The pandemic came in so fast and took down the industry so rapidly. We need to have a plan in the future that allows us to prepare for times like these. Working with the local communities to have contingency plans in place, whether through a fund or other ideas might work. This way,  we can never be caught off guard again,” he suggests.

Ntege shares similar thoughts.
“Always plan for the unknown, be dynamic and employ staff that believe in the brand and its growth plan so that even without business and we have to take cost cuts, everyone will gladly take it so that the business survives,” he argues. He has also found relevance in using technology in marketing.

Kamusiime says she is looking at ways of making her tour company self-sustaining. Online visibility is one of key recovery strategies.

“Virtual business is the way to go with an understanding of the new travel trends. A lot has changed and we need to adapt fast,” she adds. She had to refund more than $15, 000 (about Shs56m). She had acquired a loan of $ 10, 000  (about Shs37m) to buy a tour van as an asset to the business.

Nonetheless, she is optimistic the prospects of tourism are still open. Ntege’s recovery plan is directed at focusing more on efficiency with a lean delivering team. He would like to engage in e-marketing and also undertake refresher training for all the staff.

“Our recovery plan is to enhance local tourism and have more offers that encourage local tourism.Apart from that,  it is just a waiting game and hoping that 2021 sees a recovery by June,” says Barrie.

According Rubangira, the tourism sector  is looking at reaching out more to his travel agents to assure and build confidence of clients about the safety of Uganda as a travel and tourism destination that has SOPs in place to prevent the spread of  Covid-19 .

On the whole, Rubangira sees a bright future of the tourism sector, one where more Ugandans will explore the tourism attractions within.

“Locals have embraced getaways. For example, we organised a ground trip dubbed the Jinja ultimate camping experience’ on September 4 and 6 and got a turn up of 30 people which was encouraging,” he adds. Ntege shares the optimism, observing that people have learnt that life can change so they need to enjoy it through travel.

“More destinations are going to focus more on their domestic markets and improve them so as to be sustainable in times like these,” he adds.