Over 100 Tour consultants and Guides Refreshed on the Gorilla FriendlyTM Pledge | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

Over 100 tour guides and tour consultants in Uganda re-affirmed their commitment to the Gorilla FriendlyTM pledge during a half day refresher training held in Kampala, on 7th July 2022. This category of participants was carefully selected because they relate more closely with the tourists, therefore, empowering them with the Gorilla FriendlyTM Pledge information will help them engage the tourist more meaningfully.
The meeting was also attended by key tourism partners like Uganda Wildlife Authority, Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Uganda Safari guides Associations, Uganda Tourism Association and Gorilla Doctors. It was organized by IGCP in collaboration with Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA).

Speaking at the training, Civy Tumusiime, Board Chairperson, Association of Uganda Tour Operators said, “The role of guides in ensuring responsible mountain gorilla tourism is indisputable since guides are the eyes and ears of tourism. They are the soldiers on the ground. The Gorilla FriendlyTM Pledge should put special emphasis on working with them”. The training helped in refreshing and empowering the participants with knowledge on the gorilla visitation best practices and also securing support
towards popularizing the campaign. About 3000 materials including brochures, car stickers, posters and business cards were also given out to the participants.