Uganda’s tourism sector recorded a total of 892,000 local tourists in the year 2022 alone compared to an average of 130,000 Ugandans annually prior to the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Tourism State Minister, Hon. Martin Mugarra.
Mugarra revealed the figures while flagging off a group of Ugandan tourists for the Explore North campaign last week on Tuesday.
According to Mugarra, the Ministry is looking to hit 1 million Ugandan tourists by the end of 2023 owing to the growing number of Ugandans that are visiting different tourist sites in the land.
“We are optimistic that by the end of this year, we shall hit 1 million,” he noted.
Mugarra furthermore underscored the role of domestic tourism to revive the industry post-COVID-19. He also noted that for the sector to thrive all stakeholders should work toward promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
“Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people, and tourists take responsibility, take action to make tourism more sustainable,” Mugarra said.
The Cape Town Declaration highlights responsible tourism as travel and tourism which among other aspects: minimizes negative economic, environmental, and social impacts, involves local people in decisions that affect their lives, and is pro-conservation.
The Explore Northern Uganda caravan follows the Explore East and Explore West expeditions that have given a major boost to different local tourist sites.
The campaign which kicked off on Tuesday 30th May 2023 came to an end on Saturday 3rd June 2023. During this period, over 300 local tourists took part in different excursions and explored historical and cultural sites in the North.
The group explored Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort Patiko, Aruu Falls, Nyapil (Gipir) and Labongo site, Karuma Falls Hydropower Dam, Murchison Falls National Park, Nyabyeya Heritage Site and other places.
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