Tanke! Uganda tourism given a huge digital boost
Kampala: They are young, fun, funky and hold over 3 million views on their social media platforms. Ertan Anadol(Team Lead), Henry Mallaury, India Romeuf, Lucas Cyril Samuel, Jolivet Kilian Nicolas, Labesse Lola Marie Suzanne, Radet Jonathan George’s Adrien, Nanche Augustin Claudius Daniel, Caballero Navarrete Sara, and Guillen Brinceno Juan Carlos-all Spanish and French arrived in Uganda on a familiarisation tourism tour that is bound to offer a link to the Uganda’s interior- nation leaping fast into the global tourism economy.
The group, from TANKE, a Paris-based creative influencer marketing agency, is here as part of a tour organized by the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and antiquities in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Uganda’s Embassy in France. “We don’t know much about Uganda, but are eager to explore it all,” said Ertan Anadol. Clad in branded Uganda Tourism tee-shirts, the Tanke team will boost Uganda’s tourism sector through the art of telling the story of Uganda in the digital spaces.
The carefully curated itinerary promises to immerse influencers in Uganda’s most iconic attractions while offering authentic cultural encounters. Landing on the shores of the one of the biggest fresh water lakes in the word , Lake Victoria is, and visiting sites as the Bwindi Impenetrable forest where over 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas are found trekking in lush rainforests, or Queen Elizabeth National Park for an unmemorable safari drive. They will have a rare opportunity in some parks to laugh with the hyenas and they court them and experience the peering gaze of the giraffes as they have a meal out in the wild. The gorgeous Nile River with outstretched arms promises an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the influencers will also immerse themselves in Uganda’s cultural heritage, with opportunities to engage in local communities and experience authentic Ugandan cuisine. Through their digital spaces, these influencers will produce compelling content that highlights Uganda’s diverse offerings and promotes the country as an exciting and unique travel destination.
At a brief flag off ceremony, Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, amplified different opportunities that Uganda offers through its attractions. “From our favorable climate to our diverse cultures and the warmth of our people, Uganda is ready to welcome the world. This familiarization trip is a critical step in showcasing Uganda’s incredible tourism potential, particularly in the French and Spanish-speaking markets,” Bagire said.
Doreen Ruth Amule, Uganda’s Ambassador to France, said “Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, is brimming with natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. This collaboration with French and Spanish influencers will allow us to share these experiences with the world, helping to expand Uganda’s recognition as a must-visit destination,” she noted.
Uganda’s tourism offers unparalleled experiences that showcase not just our natural wonders, but also our people, our cultures, and the boundless investment opportunities that lay in the Pearl. Yet, despite its potential, Uganda’s beauty remains largely untapped, and largely underexplored.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Uganda as a must-visit destination for European travelers, leveraging the influence of travel bloggers, social media personalities, and journalists to tell Uganda’s story through their unique lenses.
France and Spain are among Europe’s leading outbound tourism markets, with millions of travelers seeking unique experiences abroad each year. However, Uganda has yet to establish itself as a go-to destination for these audiences. This familiarization trip aims to change that with an itinerary packed with adventure and action.
A few statistics:
According to the Statista research, Spain was the European country with the highest international tourism receipts in 2023, showcasing its dual role as both a destination and a source of tourists. The website goes on to state that in the same year approximately 19.8 million Spaniards traveled abroad. In the same year French travelers made approximately 54.87 million outbound trips. With such initiatives driven by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda hopes to tap into that market, where-in, in 2022, tourism contributed approximately UGX 2.7 trillion (USD 736 million) to Uganda’s economy, representing about 4.7% of the GDP. Equally Uganda bureau of statistics indicates that this supported over 620,000 jobs (3.5% of total employment). The hotel sector showed recovery, with occupancy rates rising from 20.1% in 2020 to 46.9% in 2022, peaking at 61.4% in Kampala. Additionally, national park visitation doubled from 189,988 in 2021 to 367,869 in 2022, highlighting tourism’s critical role in Uganda’s economic landscape.
The trip is designed not just as an experience but as a catalyst for change in how Uganda is perceived globally. By tapping into the creative power of these influencers, Uganda hopes to inspire a surge in tourism from France, Spain, and other Francophone regions. As these French and Spanish storytellers prepare to embark on their journey through the pearl, one thing is certain: they won’t leave empty-handed—they’ll carry with them tales that will inspire countless others to tour Uganda.