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The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has raised concerns about the inadequacy of hotels in Jinja city to host national and international conferences. According to UTB, none of the hotel facilities in Jinja have been graded as three-star or classified by them, making them unattractive options for hosting such events.
Mr. Bradford Ochieng, the deputy chief executive officer of UTB, highlighted that the grading and classification of hotels are conducted by assessors from the East African Community (EAC) and UTB, considering various requirements such as standard facilities, amenities, and the quality of staff.
Despite the potential for Jinja to become a hub for conferences and tourism, Mr. Ochieng emphasized the absence of three-star hotels meeting EAC standards in the city. He noted that to host international conferences, a minimum requirement of a three-star rating is necessary, which Jinja hotels currently lack due to owners’ reluctance to meet grading standards.
However, former UTB chairman Mr. Daudi Migereko pointed out that while rating and classification are beneficial, they should not necessarily hinder Jinja from hosting international conferences. He highlighted that many facilities in Jinja may meet international standards despite not being formally classified and rated.
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In response to these challenges, Mr. Nasser Ashraf, the Jinja South Division Mayor, urged hotels in the city to collaborate with investors to enhance their facilities and attract international conferences. Additionally, Ms. Judith Bitali, the Buyende District Tourism Officer, emphasized the importance of not only rating hotels but also improving the quality of the workforce to meet industry standards.
Ms. Bitali noted the significance of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) in Jinja, which provides an opportunity to train professionals in hotel management and the tourism industry. She believes that with proper training and support, Jinja can enhance its capacity to host international events and promote tourism in the region.
Amidst concerns about the readiness of Jinja hotels for global conferences, hope arises with the ongoing construction of Crested Crane Hotel, a three-star facility funded by the World Bank. With 82 accommodation rooms meeting international and EAC standards, the hotel is expected to boost tourism in Jinja and contribute to the professionalization of the hospitality sector through workforce training.
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