Women should get more involved in tourism

Despite the fact that tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner in the country following the mineral sector, there are still very few women that are involved in this line of business.  Mrs. Adventina Robert Matungwa who is the Managing Director for Walkgard hotels and tours said that the Women empowerment is critical component to enable them participate fully in the industry.

 The Kagera region has got just only two registered tour operators namely the Walkgard hotels and tours as well as the Kiroyera tours and safaris managed by Ms Mary Kalikawe.  According to Mrs. Matungwa if women are empowered to participate in tourism, they could play a major role in promoting tourism that is why more  women should  venture into the sector as it is also well paying she said.

Kagera region is blessed with abundant tourist attractions unfortunately majority of them have not been effectively utilized  and developed due to lack of promotion, lack of enough finances  and low investment in the sector. The region has five game reserves with a total of 5,526 square kilometers which all need to be put to good use. There is the Biharamulo which is about 1,300 km, the Burigi covering 2,200km, the Kimisi which is 1,026km, the Rumanyika is 800km and Ibanda is 200km. with in the game reserves, you can expect to find different types of wildlife including the  elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, hippopotamus and antelopes, among so many others.

There are also lots of birds’ species and butterflies found in these game reserves which may not be found elsewhere in the world. Other tourist attractions that are in the region include the  traditional houses of chiefs Rumanyika of Karagwe, found at Bweranyange, Chief Kasusura of Biharamulo and Chief Balamba of Ngara. It is very important now to upgrade the Game reserves to the level of National Parks so that they can attract more tourists who will bring in more revenue in the long run.    

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