The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lilly Ajarova, on her recent appointment as Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, who has once said that there is no better place for tourism in the world than Uganda.
“Uganda’s lowest point is 650 meters above sea level while the highest point is 5009 meters above sea level. This location makes Uganda unique for agriculture and tourism,” Mr. Museveni said.
The President said thatthe country’s location enables Uganda have good flora and fauna. “Whatever tourists want to do in agriculture and tourism can be done in Uganda,” he said. The President said that tourism is a very big industry in the world hence the need to talk about conservation and also the business opportunities it brings.
“Tourism accounts for 9% of the global GDP (USD 6.6 trillion) and out of 11 jobs in the world; one job is in tourism. When we talk about the conservation, it is not just coming out for nature but having business goals. We can get a lot of money from tourism,” the President added.
This appointment is a testament to Dr. Ajarova’s strategic leadership and her significant contributions to the advancement of Uganda’s tourism sector within the global tourism arena.
In her new role as Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism, Dr Ajarova will advise the President on strategic tourism policies and initiatives, while ensuring that the sector’s growth is aligned to the national development agenda; promote Uganda’s diversify tourism offerings; foster international collaborations that benefit the tourism sector.
During her tenure at UTB, Dr. Ajarova was instrumental in the development, launch, and implementation of the Explore Uganda destination brand. She improved quality assurance in tourism service delivery across the nation, enhanced tourism product development, including the promotion of MICE tourism, and established partnerships with various stakeholders and development partners. Under her leadership, UTB received an Excellence Service Award, ranking as the third-best performing government agency in 2022.
“This marks an exciting new chapter in my career. I am eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that tourism continues to be a vital driver of Uganda’s economic development. This role provides an opportunity to further align the tourism sector with the government’s goal of achieving tenfold economic growth. Tourism is a fundamental component of our national economy, and I am dedicated to utilizing my experience to implement strategic initiatives that enhance Uganda’s global competitiveness, attract investment, and create sustainable opportunities for our citizens. I am profoundly honored by the trust bestowed upon me by His Excellency the President,” she stated.
“This is an exciting new chapter in my journey. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that tourism remains a key driver of Uganda’s economic development. This role presents an opportunity to further align Uganda’s tourism sector with the government’s target of tenfold economic growth. Tourism is a cornerstone of our national economy, and I am committed to leveraging my experience to drive strategic initiatives that enhance Uganda’s global competitiveness, attract investment, and create sustainable opportunities for our people. I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by His Excellency the President,” she said.
Uganda Tourism Board offers its congratulations to Dr Ajarova on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to her remarkable contribution in the new capacity as Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism.