Participation in continental football tournaments whether as a nation, player or spectator plays a major role in social and global unity. Tourism and sport are interrelated and complementary.
On Friday night, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off as hosts Egypt got off the mark with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe. The attention from all over the world was magical. It is on such platforms that participating nations make themselves known to the world.
Uganda Cranes will today have the feel of the 2019 AFCON as they face DR Congo. Cranes’ win is a win for all Ugandans since it’s our flag which flown.
This does not only benefit players by increasing their football fortunes but also strengthens the identity of Uganda doubling our as a tourism destination.
Uganda’s tourism institutions like Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has partnered with Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) to brand Uganda, both the local and international scene.
The team led by the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Godfrey Kiwanda is already in Egypt.
Kiwanda says AFCON brings together several travellers and holidaymakers from all over the world to a host nation and this makes it a bountiful opportunity for Uganda to market her tourist attractions.
“Egypt is well-known world over for the pyramids and the River Nile. As the country that has the source of the Nile, we feel that this is a great opportunity to market the source of this river as well as our tourism potential to the rest of the world, while utilizing this sports platform,” he said.
UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova said they have taken the Ugandan cultures with them to Egypt and they will have to influence the crowds.
“We have invited dignitaries from all participating nations and we shall treat them to the 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.