UTB training guides to operationalize new Rwenzori marketing plan

“I work in the Rwenzori and some places have no network or Police. What do I do when I have a problem-client high in the mountains?”

These are some the questions coming up at the four-day guides training going on at Kalya Hotel in Fort Portal, western Uganda. The mountaineering and tour guides training is being conducted by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) with support from the WWF Uganda as part of the skilling and empowering of guides for the Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) and the region.

In March, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities ministry with the agencies the UWA, UTB with the support of WWF Uganda launch the new strategic plan to promote the RMNP and surrounding region. WWF Uganda provided funding for the marketing strategy, and the business plan. The ongoing training is part of the Sustainable Financing for the Ruwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP) project.

The 38 guides benefitting from the training are from local community associations that work in and with the Rwenzori Mountain Park.

Over four days, the interactive skilling workshop is focusing on communication, marketing, product knowledge and management. On the personal level integrity, hygiene and sanitation, and professionalism are some of the areas emphasized.