American Model Arrives to boost tourism

US super Model Marlina Moreno tourched down at Entebbe Airport aboard Emirates Airlines for her 21-day visit to Uganda where she is expected to climb Mt. Rwenzori on January 17. The Los-Angeles based super model and TV host, touched down at about 3: 00pm. From Entebbe international Airport, she was taken to her hotel and latter had fun at the Uganda Wildlife EducationCenter (UWEC) in Entebbe. Clad in boots, skinny jean pants and a light weather top, the 5.6 model was taken through the history and purpose of the center before being guided into the park – first to Charles, the three years and eight-months old elephant. But the most interesting scene was was at the giraffe’s base. The former national football league cheerleader and model for Nike, Samsung, Canin, Virgin Atlantic and Siemens fed and kissed one of the giraffes.

“I have dreamt of coming to Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa” for the last one and half years. Nature conservation is my thing. I love the flora and fauna. And is great coming to such a country with this abundan nature,” said Moreno.
“It is not my first time in Africa. I have been to South Africa. But it is my first time mountaineering. So I am looking forward to the experience,” said the avid traveller, who is expected to document her travel experience in Uganda on her various social media outlets for her over 50 million followers on social media.

“I am going to the source of the Nile. Do bungee jumping , then do Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the Mountain Gorillas. It is going to be one marvelous experience ,” she said. John Ssempebwa, the deputy executive  director of the Uganda Tourism Board, said the move was among the many that the Government is deliberately taking to market Uganda. “Some of her followers will read her experiences and also want to come to Uganda. And this is good for the tourism country. Coutries which do not have half the beauty and nature that Uganda has have many visitors. We need to market our country,” he said.

At a press conference earier this month, Ssempebwa revealed that over 4,500 sightseers were expected to climb the mountain with the supermodel.  The function will start with the climbing of the mountain and conclude with a party at the base of the mountain in Kasese district, he said.

Moreno, who boasts over 50 million followers on social media, will, at the end of her visit, profile her experience and produce a documentary to be carried on her travel platforms: Examiner.com, Huffingtonpost.com, and whenInManila.