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Community Based Tourism Initiative Uganda

  • International Workshop on Agritourism 2022
    I was privileged  to speak as a panelist at the  opening plenary session
    of the International Workshop on Agritourism 2022, in Burlington
    Vermont USA from August 29th-2nd September.
  • Community Tourism
    Empower Rural Women
    Improve Livelihoods
    Support Village Projects
    Provides Cultural Exchange
  • Empowering Communities
    Since 1998, COBATI has empowered rural Uganda villages to participate in community tourism.
    Families use the income to improve their livelihoods.
  • Visit A Uganda Homestead
    Since 1998, COBATI has empowered rural Uganda villages to participate
    in community tourism. Families use the income to improve their livelihoods.

Community Based Tourism Initiative of Uganda

The COBATI model of tourism revolves around individuals, households, communities, their cultures and the environment. COBATI's award winning founder Maria Baryamujura, has been concerned about the complete lack of participation of local people in their natural and cultural resources, and the alarming levels of poverty in rural households.

500
Plus Livelihoods of Women Improved in Community Tourism Projects
2
Community Training Centres Established To Train Youth and Empower Rural Women
10
Plus Partnerships formed to Combat Rural Poverty Through Empowerment
30
Plus Awards Received in recognition of conservation and advocacy activities

Founder and CEO of COBATI

Maria Baryamujura is an award-winning social entrepreneur, Founder and Executive Director of COBATI - Community Based Tourism Initiative a not for -profit tourism NGO promoting sustainable tourism for community development in Uganda. 

Maria is an Ashoka Fellow. She has over 30 years’ experience in sustainable tourism development and women empowerment across East Africa. She is an advocate for increased awareness in the tourism sector and of the opportunities there-in that can be generated if Ugandans are provided market driven programs that protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and contribute to sustainable economic development.

Full Profile
Maria Baryamujura

Maria Baryamujura, Founder and CEO of COBATI - Community Based Tourism Initiative is an award-winning Ashoka Fellow with over 35 years experience in sustainable tourism development, motivational speaking and women empowerment across East Africa. Her business is a community tourism service provider, bringing innovation to rural tourism. 

Maria Baryamujura

Founder and CEO of COBATI

COBATI Develops Community Tourism in Uganda

At COBATI, we link tourism to conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable rural development to enhance livelihoods and enrich Uganda’s tourism product.

With support from the MTN Uganda Foundation, COBATI initiated a Homestay Model Homes Program whereby selected homes are upgraded to a level where they can host tourists. 

Highlights

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