Local entrepreneurs, and service providers in Mbale City have been urged to position themselves strategically to reap from the upcoming World Tourism Day celebrations, scheduled for September 26–27 at the Mbale Secondary School grounds.
Joseph Sebunya, a Tourism Development Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said bringing the celebrations to Mbale is intended to promote the city’s largely untapped tourism potential and expose local attractions to a wider audience.
“There are so many special and unique tourism attractions in Mbale, but people don’t know about them,” Sebunya said.
He called on residents, tourism operators and owners of businesses with tourism-related products to open their doors and showcase what they have to visitors.
Sebunya while addressing the media on Tuesday says the ministry expects at least 500 visitors from Kampala, presenting an opportunity for hotels, restaurants, shops, transport operators and other businesses to increase their earnings.
“These people have to eat, move and stay somewhere. If you have anything, package yourself, be clean and make sure someone is attracted to come and buy from you,” he said.
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Kidulu Matuka affirms that the city is ready to host the celebrations, describing the event as an opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism potential.
“We are very ready to host the event. It is an opportunity to show what we have as a region and what God has given us,” Matuka said.
She urged stakeholders to sustain efforts to develop tourism after the celebrations, saying the event should be used as a platform for long-term tourism development in the city and surrounding areas.
The festivities kick off on September 26 with community sports, exhibitions, and regional showcase events, culminating in the main celebration on September 27.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to grace the main ceremony as the Chief Guest of Honor.
Mbale Resident City Commissioner (RCC) George William Wopuwa called on hotel management and business owners to bolster security measures, ensuring a safe environment for both residents and visitors throughout the celebrations.