While Uganda looks forward to the visit of Pope Francis later in 2015, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has embarked on a strategic marketing plan for the Country to maximize the benefits of the proposed visit of the Pope to the Country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board Stephen Asiimwe said that the Board is focusing on engaging churches within the country and across the region to mobilize and invite people to visit the country at the same time.

Asiimwe says if that is done it will boast Uganda’s revenue generation.

Asiimwe believes the tourism industry should take advantage of the big numbers who are likely to attend the pope’s visit in Uganda to market the sector.

He said that the Uganda Tourism Board is also in talks with different embassies and airlines to help mobilize Christians and facilitate their travels to the country during that time. He said that if well prepared Uganda can reap big from this historical visit.

Pope Francis announced recently that he will make his first visit to Africa later this year with stops in Uganda and the Central African Republic and Government has already put in place a Cabinet subcommittee led by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda to plan for the Pope’s visit.

The Tourism board targets to attract 1.5 million tourists in the country this year.