A total of 30 tour guides operating in the tourism territory of Kisoro district have been urged to find other income generating activities to enhance their survival during the Covid – 19 pandemic that has continued to ravage the industry.
The comments were made by Programs Officer in-charge of Community development in Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT) Kahunzire Claire during the conclusion of a three day training of tour guides at Mubano hotel.
Kahuzire explained that tour guides in the region have been hard hit after tourism activities reduced due to Covid-19. She noted that tour guides play a vital role in promoting tourism and community relations.
Among the key incoming generating activities include Gorilla tracking, Mountain Hiking, Community and Nature walks among others.
Kahuzire explained that BMCT in partnership with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Batwa Youth for Business facility innovation challenge fund, under the “growth accelerator project” trained the tour guides on professionalism and also created a platform to brainstorm alternative income generating activities during the partial lockdown.
The trainer of trainees of tour guides Denis Arinaitwe said that all tour guides trained are capable of uplifting tour
guiding industry in Kisoro district because they all showed maturity and high level of understanding during the training.
Some of the tour guides who spoke to voice of Muhabura appreciated Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust and its partners for promoting tourism through making professional tour guides.
They pledged to practice the new ideas acquired in their subsequent operations as tour guides.
Kisoro district has created many jobs for tour guides who work both with companies while others work independently.
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