BY ALEX BALUKU
The vibrant city of Kasese in the Rwenzori Region is gearing up for the eagerly awaited 2nd edition of the Rwenzori Theluji Festival, an extravagant event orchestrated by the Kasese Tourism Investors Forum (KTIF).
This upcoming festival, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Tourism Investments in a Competitive and Globalized Market in Destination Kasese, the Rwenzori Experience,” aims not only to exhibit the region’s natural beauty but also to catalyze sustainable tourism development.
According to Zephania Bwambale Kameli, the Director Responsible for Youth in Tourism and Community Tourism, the festival will commence with the Rwenzori Community Biodiversity week from August 19th to September 3rd, setting the stage for an eco-conscious celebration.
Kameli notes that this week will witness an extensive tree-planting effort to enhance the region’s green cover. He emphasizes that initiatives promoting responsible consumption and assessments of investments will also be integral to the biodiversity week.
A Burst of Cultural Extravaganza:
Kameli highlights that from September 1st to 3rd, the Cultural Diversity Expo will infuse the festival with dynamic exhibitions of local culture, trade, and biodiversity.
This expo not only serves as a convergence point for multinational companies to showcase their businesses but also as an avenue to foster potential markets and explore investment opportunities.
Energizing Economic Progress:
The Team Leader at Youth in Tourism further explains that the Tourism, Trade, and Investment Summit, scheduled for September 1st, 2023, is a pivotal assembly that will unite key stakeholders, including investors, governmental bodies, and community representatives.
The summit’s core focus lies in identifying strategies to position Kasese as an alluring destination for domestic and international tourism, trade, and investments.
An Array of Excellence:
Kameli underscores that the Tourism and Trade Expo, held concurrently with the cultural expo, will display a diverse range of tourism-related products and services.
Alexander Kitsa, the Chief Executive Officer for Kasese Tourism Investors Forum-KTIF, reveals that forum members, encompassing hotels, tour guides, traders, and investors, will seize this opportunity to flaunt their offerings and establish valuable connections.
The Spectacle of the Majestic Marathon:
The festival’s crowning event, the Tusker Lite Mount Rwenzori Marathon on September 2nd, 2023, promises an exhilarating experience. Athletes and enthusiasts worldwide will converge against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
This marathon not only emphasizes athleticism but also offers a unique chance to savor the unparalleled beauty of the region.
Upholding Sustainability and Community Engagement:
At its heart, the Rwenzori Theluji Festival is dedicated to promoting sustainability, conservation, and community engagement in the sphere of tourism development. This festival serves as a conduit for celebrating the region’s uniqueness while simultaneously attracting both local and global visitors.
Economic Uplift and Global Recognition:
The festival’s impact on the local economy is projected to be substantial, generating employment opportunities for youth and women, invigorating the hospitality sector, and showcasing Kasese as a multifaceted hub for tourism, trade, and investment.
With its steadfast commitment to accelerating sustainable tourism investments and enhancing guest experiences, the Rwenzori Theluji Festival is poised to firmly establish Destination Kasese and the Rwenzori Experience on the international tourism map.
