Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has started a countrywide classification and grading exercise of all accommodation facilities.
This was revealed by Lilly Ajarova the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) on Wednesday 2nd August, in a press conference with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) leaders at UTB headquarters in Kampala.
According to Lilly Ajarova, the exercise will be conducted in phases to cover the entire country and the first phase which began on 1st August to 4th September 2023 will be conducted around Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Masaka, Mbarara, Fort- portal, and Mbale.
She also highlighted that the exercise is in fulfillment of one of the Uganda Tourism Board’s mandates to carry out quality assurance of the tourism sector as enshrined in the Tourism Act 2008 section (J) where UTB enforces and monitors standards, and (K) which mandates UTB to register, inspect, license and classify tourism enterprises.
“Normally for international meetings and conferences, delegates are recommended to stay from three stars to five stars or above so this exercise will help to identify the actual number of facilities we have at each level,” she highlighted.
Therefore she asked the hotel owners to welcome this exercise because it’s for their benefit as well as the development of the industry.
“We can’t market you and have International delegates come to stay at your hotel if you are not graded officially,” Ajarova noted.
She also clarified that the list of all facilities that have been licensed is being updated on the UTB’s website daily and therefore encouraged the public to strictly deal with those who are doing legal business for better services.
Susan Muhwezi the Chairperson of the Uganda Hotel Owner’s Association (UHOA) and vice person of UTB said that UHOA and the private sector are fully in support of the exercise and urged hoteliers to participate for the good of the industry.
“Grading will add value to our investments through increased marketing of the facilities within the accredited grades,” she added.
Muhwezi also remarked that exercise is a vital component of marketing Uganda as a competitive tourism destination that observes good standards for visitor enjoyment.
Broadford Ochieng the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board revealed that UTB was working tirelessly to tick off all the Five “A’s” of tourism that include Attractions, Amenities, Activities, Accessibility, and Accommodation.
“We are determined to ensure enforcement of the standard protocols for the well-being and growth of the sector and accommodation was one of the important components in streaming standards that make Uganda a competitive destination,” Ochieng added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Hotel Owner’s Association (UHOA) Jean Byamugisha noted that grading is important in aligning the industry to international standards and managing guest expectations as well as supporting the pricing systems of hotels.
“It will therefore create a positive impact because of the improved quality of tourism products and services offered to tourists,” she noted.
Byamugusha also revealed that field assessment teams have received ICT equipment that is preloaded with an automated E-classification System making it efficient and effective to carry out their work seamlessly.
About UTB
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is a statutory organization established in 1994. Its role and mandate were reviewed in the Tourism Act of 2008. The Board’s mandate is to promote and market Uganda across the region and internationally, promote quality assurance in tourist facilities through training, grading, and classification, promote tourism investment, support, and act as a liaison for the private sector in tourism development.
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