Moroto, Uganda, April 22-24, 2024 – A landmark event took place in Karamoja as a total of 32 tourism and hospitality stakeholders from the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda gathered at the Leslona Hotel to participate in a workshop on visitor flow analysis. This workshop marked a significant step towards the development of the much-anticipated Karamoja Destination Management Plan (DMP).
The DMP, a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable tourism development in Karamoja, aims to harness the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage while ensuring the well-being of its communities. The plan was developed through a collaborative process involving key stakeholders, including local communities, tourism businesses, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
The workshop on visitor flow analysis provided valuable insights into the preferences, behaviors, and patterns of tourists visiting Karamoja. These insights will be instrumental in shaping the DMP, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and aspirations of both visitors and local residents.
Table 1: The Flow Analysis Workshop Programme
Photos of the participatory workshop supported by tourism consultants of CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) and UTB (Uganda Tourism Board).
Regional tourism stakeholders
Among the attendees of the workshop were representatives from various sectors within the Karamoja sub-region, including District Tourism officers, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Community Wildlife Conservancies, Private Sector, Uganda Tourism Board, and security agencies. This diverse group of stakeholders brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that the DMP is well-rounded and reflects the unique needs and priorities of the region.
The participation of such a wide range of stakeholders was essential in the development of the DMP. By bringing together representatives from different sectors, the workshop facilitated a comprehensive discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing tourism in Karamoja. This input was invaluable in ensuring that the DMP is both practical and relevant to the region’s needs.
Photo: The workshop was attended by regional security heads of departments (Left-to-right: Mount Moroto Regional Police Commander, UPDF 3rd Division Commander, Moroto District Resident District Commissioner, Anti-Stock Theft Unit-Commander)
The future of tourism in Karamoja
The Karamoja Destination Management Plan represents a significant milestone in the region’s tourism development journey. With the support of the Karamoja Tourism Coordination Platform and other stakeholders, Karamoja is well-positioned to become a thriving tourism destination while preserving its unique heritage and improving the lives of its people.
The Role of a Regional Tourism Association
The consultants emphasized the importance of having a strong and well-organized association of regional stakeholders to manage the implementation of the DMP. Such an association can provide leadership, coordination, and advocacy for the tourism industry in Karamoja.
Recognizing the need for a unified voice, the stakeholders present took the opportunity to revitalize the Karamoja Tourism and Hospitality Association (KATHA), which was formed in 2022. By strengthening KATHA, the region can create a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
Karamoja Tourism Academy and partners kickstarted the ‘Boost the Employability of Tourism employees in Elgon and Karamoja’ project. 20 ambitious business leaders participated in the first workshop to develop the framework for the 2 years project.
Are you a tourism or hospitality business in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region? and would you like to improve the skills of your staff? Then we have an exciting opportunity for you!
Ethiopia, a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes, holds hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. But beyond the iconic sights, a new wave of tourism is emerging, one that weaves the rich cultural heritage of local communities into unforgettable Community Based Tourism (CBT) experiences:
British Council’s ‘Cultural Protection Fund’ has awarded support to our Sustainable Preservation of ‘Ik Community’ Cultural Heritage Initiative. The funding supports the ongoing documentation of their oral history and co-creation of engaging tourist activities which we started in January this year with the support from LASER PULSE.
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Stakeholders Develop Karamoja Destination Management Plan
Moroto, Uganda, April 22-24, 2024 – A landmark event took place in Karamoja as a total of 32 tourism and hospitality stakeholders from the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda gathered at the Leslona Hotel to participate in a workshop on visitor flow analysis. This workshop marked a significant step towards the development of the much-anticipated Karamoja Destination Management Plan (DMP).
The DMP, a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable tourism development in Karamoja, aims to harness the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage while ensuring the well-being of its communities. The plan was developed through a collaborative process involving key stakeholders, including local communities, tourism businesses, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
The workshop on visitor flow analysis provided valuable insights into the preferences, behaviors, and patterns of tourists visiting Karamoja. These insights will be instrumental in shaping the DMP, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and aspirations of both visitors and local residents.
Table 1: The Flow Analysis Workshop Programme
Photos of the participatory workshop supported by tourism consultants of CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) and UTB (Uganda Tourism Board).
Regional tourism stakeholders
Among the attendees of the workshop were representatives from various sectors within the Karamoja sub-region, including District Tourism officers, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Community Wildlife Conservancies, Private Sector, Uganda Tourism Board, and security agencies. This diverse group of stakeholders brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that the DMP is well-rounded and reflects the unique needs and priorities of the region.
The participation of such a wide range of stakeholders was essential in the development of the DMP. By bringing together representatives from different sectors, the workshop facilitated a comprehensive discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing tourism in Karamoja. This input was invaluable in ensuring that the DMP is both practical and relevant to the region’s needs.
Photo: The workshop was attended by regional security heads of departments (Left-to-right: Mount Moroto Regional Police Commander, UPDF 3rd Division Commander, Moroto District Resident District Commissioner, Anti-Stock Theft Unit-Commander)
The future of tourism in Karamoja
The Karamoja Destination Management Plan represents a significant milestone in the region’s tourism development journey. With the support of the Karamoja Tourism Coordination Platform and other stakeholders, Karamoja is well-positioned to become a thriving tourism destination while preserving its unique heritage and improving the lives of its people.
The Role of a Regional Tourism Association
The consultants emphasized the importance of having a strong and well-organized association of regional stakeholders to manage the implementation of the DMP. Such an association can provide leadership, coordination, and advocacy for the tourism industry in Karamoja.
Recognizing the need for a unified voice, the stakeholders present took the opportunity to revitalize the Karamoja Tourism and Hospitality Association (KATHA), which was formed in 2022. By strengthening KATHA, the region can create a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
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British Council’s ‘Cultural Protection Fund’ has awarded support to our Sustainable Preservation of ‘Ik Community’ Cultural Heritage Initiative. The funding supports the ongoing documentation of their oral history and co-creation of engaging tourist activities which we started in January this year with the support from LASER PULSE.