Uganda’s Tourism Thrives: Arrivals Skyrocket by 56%, Revenue Reaches $1 Billion

The tourism industry in Uganda is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, as indicated by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA) annual report of 2023. Tourist arrivals surged by 56.4% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the sector’s resilience following the global pandemic. The report highlights that the number of tourist arrivals increased from 814,508 in 2022 to 1,274,210 in 2023.

Despite this significant growth, it’s worth noting that tourist arrivals have not yet fully rebounded to pre-COVID levels. The peak before the pandemic saw arrivals reaching 1,542,620, whereas they dropped to 473,085 in the subsequent year.

The Ministry attributes this growth to Uganda’s diverse offerings, ranging from breathtaking national parks to vibrant cultural experiences, which continue to attract international visitors. Strategic marketing campaigns like “Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa” have also played a crucial role in boosting awareness, along with strong partnerships across the tourism industry.

Africa remains the primary source of tourists, contributing 89.2% of total arrivals. However, there has been a positive uptick from key overseas markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, and India. International tourist arrivals from these regions reached 82.6% of pre-pandemic levels, indicating promising signs of recovery in overseas markets.

Overall, the Ministry of Tourism plans to further bolster the sector through aggressive marketing campaigns, expedited product development, and support through training to enhance global competitiveness. By addressing challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies and prioritizing tourism-related road projects, Uganda aims to sustain and build upon the momentum gained in its tourism industry.