Building Uganda's Tourism Future!

I had a riveting conversation, with David Gonahasa who recounts his unexpected entry into tourism. The conversation is a masterclass in understanding the interplay of technology, innovation, and tourism.?

David Gonahasa , a true trailblazer and the pioneering Managing Director of Tripesa . Through his innovative lens, David unpacks his journey in the Ugandan tech tourism ecosystem, shedding light on the merger of technology and tourism to forge new paths and guiding us through his experiences of founding and driving growth within Uganda's tourism industry.

'I got into tourism by mistake,' he begins, before elaborating on how his move from mobile payments to an unsolved market from an innovation perspective has shaped his journey.?

Drawing a stark contrast between Africa’s tourism numbers and those of Europe, David emphasizes the significant potential Africa holds. He paints a vivid picture of innovation's role in transforming tourism.?

Citing Rwanda's rise from $400 million to $1.2 billion in tourism revenue, he insists that 'the right innovation drives growth in numbers for a destination or a country.' His experiences showcase how innovation can foster sustainable revenue for both entrepreneurs and governments.

David’s schedule is a whirlwind of events, like attending Uganda Tourism Board 's Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE)? to various hack summits and governmental support activities. His engagements reflect Tripesa's relentless efforts in building networks and partnerships for growth, with an emphasis on active presence in key discussions and opportunities.

He shares more into Tripesa’s mission, revealing its unique role as a tech enabler for small tourism businesses. 'Tripesa is like Shopify Inc for tourism,' David explains, emphasizing the company's goal to help small businesses #digitize their operations and expand their reach through strategic partnerships and technology.

David sheds light on the challenges faced by tourism businesses transitioning online, from #technology literacy issues to reluctance in self-managing #digital platforms. To address these, Tripesa is leveraging artificial intelligence to simplify tasks and enhance user experience, helping businesses succeed in the digital world.

In discussing regulation, he critiques the quick regulatory responses that often stifle innovation. He argues for regulations that enable #innovation while protecting stakeholders, urging thoughtful legislation that understands industry dynamics and fosters growth rather than hindering it.

David shares his vision for Uganda’s economic growth, emphasizing the potential of carbon markets and the need for innovative approaches in exports and import substitution. He advocates for a focus on supporting young innovators and rethinking investment strategies to align with Uganda’s unique needs.

Tripesa stands as a beacon of this integration, showcasing how visionary leadership and strategic innovation can drive significant change.?

For #Uganda, and indeed Africa, the future of tourism lies in such tech-powered enterprises leading the charge toward a prosperous, digitally connected economy.

What are your thoughts?