JINJA TO HOST THE WORLD TOURISM DAY

Each year, Uganda joins the rest of the world on 27^th September to commemorate World Tourism Day. This year’s event will be hosted in Jinja where key players will reflect on the significances and benefits of tourism sector. It is promoted each year by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Worldwide, the tourism sector features the third biggest export after the chemicals and fuels. In Uganda alone, it generated about $1.4 billion in 2016/2017 and also features as one of the major areas with many job opportunities and accounts for about a million people that are employed in tourism related enterprises. 

This year’s celebrations in Uganda will be conducted based on the theme ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’. This also comes with a line-up of activities that stated from 6^th till 27^th September. This is aimed at creating awareness, promote tourism and build capacity among stakeholders. The event commenced with Uganda Hotels and Restaurant Expo from sixth to eighth at Hotel Africana and the other events that followed include tourism forums and workshops, Sport gala and diner, smart youth conference, Tulambule Busoga region-an initiative that is aimed at promoting domestic tourism, cultural and trade exhibition, tourism night and others. This event is organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, private sector apex body, Hotel and Tourism Training Institute and Uganda Tourism Association.

Jinja itself features a number of tourist attractions and it is a popular adrenaline adventure capital in East Africa. It is famous for its breathtaking adventure experiences such as bungee jumping one of a few adventures that offer you opportunity to kiss the waters of the mighty source of the Nile, white water rafting, jet boat adventures up the River Nile rapids, kayaking, horseback riding, boat rides/cruise, quad bike tours, sunset cruise, houseboat safaris on Lake Victoria and many others. Along the way, you will be amazed by the stunning landscape, extensive sugarcane plantations and remarkably, pay a visit to Mabira forest and explore most of its primates, birds and plant life and then continue for your lifetime adventure experiences at the Source of the Nile in Jinja. 

 In conclusion, World Tourism Day is a global event and it is one of great significance for particular tourism destinations to discuss and recognize the importance of the tourism sector. Jinja in particular is one of Uganda’s most endowed tourism destination of its own. If you are adventure or nature lover, it is a right place for you to visit.