Uganda’s Tourism Flourishes: Hits $1 Billion Revenue Milestone

The East African reports that Uganda’s tourism sector is on track to rebound to its pre-COVID-19 levels, experiencing an impressive 83.4 percent recovery fueled by increased tourist arrivals.

Authorities credit this surge in both numbers and revenue to a rise in visitors from within Africa, as well as from key international markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, and India.

Over the past three years, Uganda has amplified its marketing efforts in southern and western Africa while Ugandan Airways has expanded its operations by introducing new routes.

Doreen Katusiime, the Tourism Permanent Secretary, expressed optimism about the sector’s resurgence, attributing it to collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, alongside private sector stakeholders.

The report also underscores a significant uptick in domestic tourism, which saw a 25.3% increase in 2023, with more Ugandans exploring national parks and recreational sites.

Before the pandemic, Uganda’s tourism sector was the leading foreign exchange earner, generating approximately $1.6 billion annually and providing employment opportunities for over 620,000 people.

Despite these positive strides, key stakeholders advocate for increased government funding to further enhance and maintain tourism infrastructure, develop sites, and execute national marketing strategies.

According to World Tourism data, global tourism is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, with Asia and Africa leading the resurgence.

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