Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in partnership with TotalEnergies E&P Uganda, has officially launched the Explore Uganda Mobile App, a revolutionary digital platform aimed at enhancing the travel experience for both local and international tourists.
The app, designed to provide comprehensive information on Uganda’s diverse destinations, promises to make travel planning more seamless and position Uganda as a top global tourist destination.
State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra presided over the launch. He commended the initiative as a significant step toward leveraging technology to boost tourist numbers in Uganda.
“The Explore Uganda App is a big step towards leveraging technology to increase tourist numbers to Uganda,” Mugarra stated.
He further emphasized that with Uganda’s wealth of natural and cultural attractions, the app would enhance the visibility of these hidden gems, encouraging more people to discover the country’s unique offerings.
Pearl Kakooza Hoareau, Chairperson of UTB Board of Directors, lauded the app as a milestone in the board’s strategic efforts to position Uganda as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers.
“The Explore Uganda Mobile App is a milestone in our journey to position Uganda as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers. The tourism landscape is evolving, and traveler preferences are shifting towards self-guided experiences. Through this app, we are offering users a seamless navigation of Uganda’s tourism offerings. It will serve as a comprehensive guide that provides essential travel information, accommodation options, itineraries, and much more, which will be accessible at the fingertips of the modern traveler,” she remarked.
Lilly Ajarova, UTB’s Chief Executive Officer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the app’s role in transforming the tourism experience and making Uganda’s world-class attractions more accessible. “The Explore Uganda App is a comprehensive travel companion designed to transform how travelers explore our country,” Ajarova explained.
She highlighted the app’s numerous features, including detailed destination guides, real-time event updates, interactive maps, and personalized itineraries, all designed to help travelers discover Uganda’s rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant landscapes effortlessly. Ajarova also noted that the app supports UTB’s broader strategy of using technology to enhance Uganda’s visibility on the global tourism stage.
Pauline MacRonald, Biodiversity Director at TotalEnergies E&P Uganda, highlighted the app’s contribution to the digital transformation of Uganda’s tourism sector and the role it will play in supporting local economic development.
“Enhancing opportunities in Uganda’s tourism sector aligns with our strategic vision for shared prosperity and local economic development. By supporting the development of this app, we are proud to contribute to the digitization of Uganda’s tourism industry while providing young tech professionals with opportunities to create essential applications,” MacRonald said.
She also pointed out that the app serves as a global platform for community-based tourism enterprises, tour operators, and investors, providing them with a space to share information and promote their services on an international scale.
Developed by a team of women software engineers, the Explore Uganda Mobile App represents a major leap forward in Uganda’s tourism digitization efforts. The app features a wide range of tools designed to enhance the travel experience, including comprehensive information on tourist attractions, accommodation, and dining options.
Its location-based search feature allows users to discover nearby events and festivals, while real-time weather updates, currency exchange rates, and advertisements for licensed tourism businesses add further value for users.
Additionally, the app includes in-app customer support and a feedback system to continuously improve user experience.
The Explore Uganda Mobile App is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, making it accessible to both Android and iOS users. It supports multi-currency transactions and is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Swahili, Spanish, and German, catering to a broad spectrum of tourists.
By integrating cutting-edge technology with Uganda’s rich tourism offerings, the Explore Uganda Mobile App is poised to attract more travelers, promote community-based tourism, and create new economic opportunities for local enterprises.
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