BY ZALIMON BASIGHALHA (GOOD LUCK)
The Public – Private Community Dialogue for Kasese Municipality held at Virina Gardens in Kasese town has tasked the Municipal Tourism Officer, Eric Baluku, to profile all key businesses that fall under the tourism and hospitality sector so as to create market for them.
Held on Wednesday, the dialogue that attracted business people especially those involved in the tourism industry was aimed at empowering local leaders and heads of various sectors.
It was organized by the Local Economic Development and Investment Committee- LEDIC for Kasese Municipality with funding from the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG)
During the meeting, participants reported that their businesses are not profiled; something they said affects marketing of the services offered.
They stressed that once their businesses are profiled and advertised on renowned websites; the act would increase their sales and abilities to pay taxes.
They, however, agreed that some of the hotels and other tourism sites in Kasese are still substandard while others have employees who do not have a hospitable language and lack customer care skills.
Their concerns followed an announcement by the Municipal Tourism Officer indicating that Kasese would host five major events between the months of August and October. Some of the events include the Rwenzori Theluji Festival, the commemoration of the International Day of Cooperatives and the World Tourism Day among others.
According to him, all the events are expected to attract many people who will need accommodation; meals transport facilities and tour guides among other services.
Mr. Hosia Thembo, the Kasese Municipal Chief Finance Officer, who hailed the private sector for the support geared towards the development of the urban centre, however, stressed that his office was awash with information that some proprietors of business enterprises do not give official contracts and appointments to their employees hence affecting the revenue collections.
Teddy Kyakimwa Kasambangene, the Municipal Secretary for Production and Marketing, who representing the Mayor at the meeting, called upon the general public to embrace all the upcoming events.
ENDS