Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in partnership with TotalEnergies EP Uganda has launched the Explore Uganda App, a mobile application designed to enhance tourism and travel experience for national and foreign tourists to destination Uganda.
Tourism stakeholders are optimistic the App will significantly heighten traveler interest to explore Uganda, positioning the country as a destination of choice and the launch speaks to the ideals of harnessing technology to bolster sector operations.
The launch was held at Mestil Hotel – Nsambya, presided over by the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka who noted that tourism has been identified as a priority sector for national development and Government is committed to supporting innovations that boost the sector.
The app offers seamless travel planning solutions with provision of varied marketing information on destinations Uganda.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova noted that the App will make travel planning more efficient and time saving for travelers to get information about the various attractions in Uganda.
“The Explore Uganda App is a comprehensive travel companion designed to transform how travelers explore our country. With features like detailed destination guides, real-time event updates, interactive maps, and personalized itineraries, the app ensures that travelers can effortlessly discover Uganda’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and diverse culture,” Ajarova said.
She added that the app supports UTB’s strategy of positioning Uganda as a top global tourism destination, using technology to make Uganda’s world-class attractions and authentic experiences accessible and engaging for all.
The statement issued by the Board indicates that the Explore Uganda Mobile App was developed by a team of female software developers, a vital stride towards gender inclusivity in an industry that has for a long time been male dominated.
“The App contains a user interaction with a feedback system and in-App customer support to enhance user experience. This will revolutionize the way people travel in Uganda and also uplift local communities by fostering inclusive use by all,” the statement reads in part.
Speaking on behalf of TotalEnergies EP Uganda, Pauline MacRonald, the Company’s Biodiversity Director noted that TotalEnergies is proud to contribute to the digitization of Uganda’s tourism industry while providing young tech professionals with opportunities to create essential applications.
“Enhancing opportunities in Uganda’s tourism sector aligns with our strategic vision for shared prosperity and local economic development. We hope the Explore Uganda Mobile App will transform information access and serve as an online market place for community-based tourism enterprises, tour operators, and potential investors to share and access information on a global scale,” MacRonald said.
The mobile App is available for download on the App Store or Google Play, both for Android and I.O.S.
Key components of the App include information services that provide detailed insights into tourist attractions, accommodations, and dining options; location-based search options for discovery of events and festivals.
It has a finance option, with multi-currency support, currency exchange rates. Additional features include real-time weather updates and advertisements for licensed tourism businesses, all available in multiple languages such as English, French, Swahili, Spanish, and German.
Investment in Digital Innovation
According to Ajarova, about Shs 30 million has been invested in developing the App and more is expected to be injected in the next phases of the development as well as marketing.
“This is Phase one of the App and we expect Phase two which will come with more features, all aimed at making the app more efficient and user-friendly. We have a digital hub at UTB and capable IT staff who will see to the running of the App,” she added.
The UTB Digital Hub, according to Ajarova, has recruits – fresh graduates from universities around Uganda who are interested in developing careers in IT and digital innovation.
Among the achievements of the Digital Hub is the Explore Uganda App which was developed by the team.
“They (digital hub recruits) don’t have much experience but they have the basics from university so we are giving them an opportunity to work with us. Through Total Energies and CBI, we are trying to get these innovators connections to other digital hubs across the globe where this similar concept has been implemented before. So, we have the technical capacity considering the App was developed by young Ugandans,” she said.