A major expansion to Uganda’s tourism was announced at the country’s Peal of Africa Tourism Expo when the government told delegates four airfields in some of its most iconic national parks will shortly be able to handle international visitors. The move, announced by the country’s minister of tourism, wildlife and antiquities Tom Butiime, cuts out the need to go through immigration facilities in Entebbe.
The minister told attendees at the tourism expo staged in the country’s Kampala that four airstrips will be tarmacked and coded and immigration posts established in Kasese, Kidepo, Pakuba and Kisoro National Parks. Previously, the only airstrips at the locations were bush airstrips, thereby requiring visitors to enter Uganda via Entebbe near the country’s capital Kampala and then find alternative transportation such as a caravan aircraft or to travel by road to visit the locations.
The announcement was made during Uganda’s four-day Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo staged by the Uganda Tourism Board and held at the capital’s Commonwealth Resort Hotel. Around 150 exhibitors and 5,000 trade buyers were present at the event, which is now in its seventh year and includes tour operators, travel advisors, hoteliers and other tourism experts.
Visitor numbers to Uganda have bounced back strongly in 2023 after the COVID pandemic with numbers expected to be back at pre-pandemic numbers next year. There are presently around 1.5 million visitors a year, contributing 7.7 percent to the country’s GDP. Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, said: “This year’s expo not only points to our recovery but also highlights to our readiness to host the tourism community once again."
She said Uganda was targeting responsible and sustainable tourism as a new trend. Sustainable tourism has been defined by the World Tourism Organization as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities, Ajarova said. “We will promote the use of recyclable materials, reduction of waste but also promote the conservation of the environment while respecting the host communities.”
Uganda is home to 10 national parks, including the well-known Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is also home to the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river, and has a rich cultural heritage that is characterized by diverse ethnic groups, languages, and traditions.
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