Fort Portal – Uganda’s dream of multiplying its tourism sector tenfold hinges on equipping trainers with the skills to integrate technology into teaching and learning, a move experts say will prepare a new generation of service providers ready to compete globally.

Speaking at the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector Tourism Retreat at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal, Mr. Richard Kawere, Principal of the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) Jinja, stressed that without digital competence, Uganda risks falling behind in customer service excellence and innovation.

The retreat, running under the theme “Transforming Uganda into a Preferred Tourism Destination: Enhancing Public-Private Sector Investment Infrastructure, Conservation, Digitalization, Product Diversification, Marketing and Tourism Safety,” has attracted policymakers, investors, and industry executives for three days of strategic dialogue.

Kawere emphasized HTTC’s focus on partnering with accommodation, food and beverage, and leisure enterprises to produce market-ready graduates who can match international service standards.

Organizers say the retreat seeks to chart pathways for boosting Uganda’s global visibility, diversifying tourism products, and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector.