Inspired by the need for a more diverse tourism sector, a small portion of tour operators in the the region have opted to incorporate Agro tourism in their services possible of a new market. Awakened by COVID-19 pandemic which led to a projected loss of more than$5bn in the next years within the sector.  Majority tour operators realized that the solution lied within the domestic market.

After COVID-19 grounded international travel and limited movement with in the country its self the domestic market was possibly the only way to keep the sector alive. The challenge however with domestic travelers was unlike the international traveler’s, they were bound by budgets. So the challenge was to create activities that were both affordable (pocket friendly travel packages) and still appleade to the nature of traditional tourism. With majority of the population in the region engaged in agriculture, Agro tourism was the most plausible solution. Mainly because it sparked local interests and was still with in the reach of majority peoples budget.

Tourists at an Agro tourism site

Therefore Canine Safaris Ltd which is at the fore front of this new version of tourism. With its revolutionary project OWEITU NI NKORE, it has been able to capture the attention of majority of the sector. This revolutionary project is potentially the solution to majority of the sectors sustainability challenges. The project in question is designed specifically for the domestic market with its budget friendly nature and its ability to improve livelihoods. Oweitu Ni’Nkore is a local name meaning Our Home is Ankole Land

The project Team Launching of a Public Private Partnership with Mbarara District Local Government.

This project is aimed at strengthening the role of communities in the tourism business ecosystem to boost domestic  tourism and develop agriculture as a tourism product. The project will focus on three key areas: skills development and capacity building for local farming communities, product development, and marketing. Through this initiative, we hope to create sustainable tourism and agricultural opportunities for local communities, and ultimately, contribute to the growth of the local economy.
The Project is premised on three focus areas
Skills Development and Capacity Building for Local Farming Communities: Developing and strengthening the skills of local farming communities is essential to the success of this project. The primary goal of this focus area is to equip local farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in the tourism industry. This includes providing training and support in areas such as agricultural techniques, business management, marketing and sales, and customer service. Furthermore, it will provide access to resources such as agro-tourism tools and technology to help local farmers develop and promote their products.

The project has managed to launch off the first Ankole Cultural Day with the Local government of Mbarara that was aimed at profiling and preserving cultural heritage sites in the region, celebrating culture and enhance its contribution to community empowerment.

Ankole Cultural Day Celebrations and Agri Tourism Festival Preparations on the right with the host farm.

The project has also launched off the first Agro Tourism Festival in the region aimed at identifying Agro Tourism service providers and enhancing the offseason business for the local farmers.

With 14 private partnerships and a Public Private Partnership, the project seeks to strengthen the role of local communities in the tourism business ecosystem to boost domestic tourism and develop agriculture as a tourism product. By providing support to local farming communities and enhancing their capabilities, It can create a strong platform for sustainable tourism and agriculture in the region. Through this initiative, we hope to create sustainable tourism and agricultural opportunities for local communities, and ultimately, contribute to the growth of the local economy..