This is a reliable tourism trade association representing the interests of all tourism operators in Uganda. AUTO has been in operation since 1995 and is still the only renowned and recognized national tour operators association; a voice, meditating on behalf of all registered tour operators with the government, and other tourism stakeholders. The association is made up of over 170 tour operators in Uganda, expert partners in the field of Tourism, and very passionate board members, led by an experienced executive director.
AUTO’s vision is “To serve the interests of members through advocacy and lobbying on sector issues, training and uphold professional and ethical standards for sustainable tourism development” a theme that has been upheld with great success, and achievement in the sector.
The efforts of Auto in professionalizing the tour operators have gained a lot of success, and greatly limited fraudsters, unprofessionalism, theft, overcharges, and any form of non-acceptable behavior in the industry. Each member pays a given agreed amount of money to join the association, and then an annual subscription charge is used to run different association activities. It also works hand in hand with various government security agencies and the Tourism Police to crack down on the imposing operators.
AUTO’s mandate is to uphold Uganda’s image as a leading tourism destination in the world, by ensuring that all Uganda tour operators operate ethically, and abide by the set standards and Values. This they do by holding seminars and periodical trainings for tour operators, investigating those accused of operating outside the acceptable cord, negotiating with the government in regards to the issues affecting different operators. Each member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators is legally registered, has all the requirements to operate a tour company, is reliable and can be trusted to organize a holiday safari.
AUTO Members offer variety of services and products for different interests and tastes of the tourists and clientele from across the world; ranging from fly-in safaris, camping, gorilla trekking experiences, wildlife safaris, road trips, budget & luxury trips, tailor-made tours to solo and group travelers, cargo transportation, incentive travel, special interest groups, Camping safaris and cultural adventure, to all parts of Uganda, all year round.
The good news is that by using a tour operator who is a member of Uganda Tour operators Association means no theft, fraud or exploitation. You are sure the entity handling your vacation request is genuine and legally operating. These have an established address, abide by the association policies, and do all their best to satisfy client’s expectations.
Therefore, any member of the Association of Uganda tour operators is worth your trust, money, vacation and business. They are answerable to the authorities, and their activities are closely monitored to ensure whatever is right is religious followed to the dot.
Advantages of becoming AUTO member.
There are a number of benefits/or advantages of becoming AUTO member and these include;
- Help in funding educational and acquaintance trips for member companies.
- Being part of Tour Operators’ fraternity as well as an opportunity to share their views and success through the Association as well as other institutions and of course participation in committees.
- Tour Operator licenses – facilitated from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
- Being represented at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Boards.
- Receive preferential treatment when dealing with Uganda Wildlife Authority especially when booking and purchasing gorilla permits, availability and resale of chimpanzee and gorilla permits.
- Being represented at Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) as the Organization that brings together Tourism Organs in the private sector with priorities being communications, general meetings and committees.
- Facilitation in easily and cheaply securing Travel Visas.
- A chance to take part in workshops, trade meetings, trainings and seminars organized by the Association or in synchronicity with the Association for the members.
- Assistance during resolving Uganda Revenue Authority Challenges.
- Finding solutions during conflicts and controversies among Tour Operators as well as between Tour Operators and other Tourism Stakeholders within the Industry.
- Provision of latest industry updates and headlines/news locally, regionally and internationally important in the buoyant running of Tourism Businesses.
- Exemption from importation taxes for company tourism vehicles.
- Chance to take part in fundraising, entertainment and conservation events where the Association is invited as well as those where the Association shares common interests with tourism Stakeholders, and many other benefits.
Who qualifies for AUTO membership?
Any tourism business or organization with activities that include marketing, planning and implementation of package tours in the country qualifies for AUTO membership.
Additionally, for a company to be an AUTO member, it has to be registered as a “Limited Company” within Uganda, minimum infrastructure especially operational Office and staffing for day-to-day activities in accordance to the association’s Code of Conduct.
