Uganda sets higher standards for tour guides to improve country’s image
Skift Take
Whether it's Uganda or New York City, guides serve as a country's brand ambassadors, represent local residents, and make a lasting impression on foreign tourists, and they're often an afterthought at best at tourism boards.
Herbert Byaruhanga, the chairperson of the Uganda Safari Guides Association, is excited. Untrained guides who have been undermining tourism ventures could soon become something of the past.
"Guides act as ambassadors for Uganda's tourism," says Byaruhanga, adding that they spend most of the time with the visitors.
"It is strange that we have not been sure of the quality of services they offer."
Byaruhanga says this is set to change with the training and grading of the guides in relation to the quality of service they offer.
"People who are selling the country as a destination should have knowledge about the country so that the tourists have a good experience. If this is the case, the tourists will keep on coming back and telling their friends about Uganda."
Byaruhanga, who was speaking after an examination aimed at grading tour guides recently, also pointed out that the move was aimed at making Uganda a more co
