By Spy Uganda
Uganda has launched a vibrant international advertising campaign in Italy, showcasing its iconic wildlife on public transport buses in a bid to attract more tourists to the East African nation.
The campaign, unveiled by Uganda’s Ambassador to Rome, Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, features striking images of the mountain gorilla and the crested crane, two of the country’s most recognizable national symbols.
The advertisements are currently running on buses in major Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence, targeting both local residents and international travelers moving through some of Europe’s busiest tourism hubs.
According to Ambassador Napeyok, the initiative is designed to spark curiosity and position Uganda as an attractive next destination for travelers already exploring Europe.
“Our buses will traverse iconic places such as St Peter’s Square, the Colosseum, and the main streets of Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence,” she said. “We estimate that this campaign will reach approximately 10 million people across Italy.”
The timing of the campaign is strategic, coming ahead of the Easter season, when Italy experiences a surge in visitors. Rome, in particular, draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists who gather for major religious events at the Vatican. Ugandan officials believe this influx presents a unique opportunity to market the country to a global audience already in a travel mindset.
The campaign aims to tap into the movement of international tourists who may be seeking new and exotic destinations beyond Europe, with Uganda positioning itself as a top choice for wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences.
Officials say the bus advertisements mark the beginning of a broader, long-term effort to boost Uganda’s visibility across Europe.
“This is just the first step in a long-term advertising initiative that will continue to engage and inspire audiences for years to come,” Ambassador Napeyok noted.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the development, highlighting the campaign as part of ongoing efforts to promote Uganda’s tourism sector, a key contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
In recent years, Uganda has intensified its global marketing strategies, with initiatives like this aimed at positioning the country as a must-visit destination for international travelers.
