Uganda is introducing a new online booking tool for tour operators to book and complete payment remotely for gorilla trekking trips.

The Ugandan Wildlife Authority announced the release of the new booking tool, an element of the nation’s efforts to sustainably manage tourism in protected areas, reports eTurbo News.

Tour operators can access and reserve gorilla trekking permits, and clients can pay for these bookings using mobile money or online payment in multiple currencies.

Tour operators can then track transaction progress from clients. Permit validation will then be enabled with a QR code on arrival at the park.

All Uganda Tourism Board licensed tour operators will be registered and have a password. They will be able to log in to the backend of the system. Each park will have separate, non-transferable permits.

“We have experienced challenges but are now satisfied that we can develop a system from the booking to the audit stage,” said Stephen Sanyi Masaba, Director of Business Development at the Ugandan Wildlife Authority.