Unlike
other industries, tourism sector is the most fragile and all stakeholder need
to be keen on it at all times the fact that anything can tarnish the destination’s
image. Looking at the recent protests in Arua and Kampala, they pose high
threat on the nation’s tourism sector and yet this is a major foreign exchange
earner. Uganda’s tourism sector is dependent on nature whereby thousands of
tourists confine into this country to see its beautiful wildlife species in the
national parks (Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison
Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale Forest National Park,
Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Mount Elgon National Park,
Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park), reserves, zoo and
many more. While endeavors are put to ensure that these natural treasures are
well protected, there is need to also blend good image about the destination to
the world market. This can be done especially by minimizing violent protest
that sell negative image about destination that at end makes most travelers
cancel their trips something that impacts hugely on the tourism sector.
On 27th
September, Uganda will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Tourism
Day which will take place in Jinja and the chief guest will be H.E. President
Yoweri Museveni. During lay out of the plans for this year’s celebrations, the
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities plus several officials in this
sector noted a spike in visitor arrivals especially on the American market and
this was attributed to political violence and negative image. Tourism is one of
the prime Forex earners in Uganda’s national economy and in 2015, over $1.35
billion. It contributes approximately 10 percent of Uganda’s GDP representing
over 7.3 billion shillings in 2015 alone and created about 8 percent employment
opportunities due to ideal political climate in the country. However, when
political violence starts higher chances are that some tourists will be forced
to cancel their trips. Last year, Uganda was ranked among the 5 top African safari
destinations. But many other global travel guides especially Rough guides and
InterNations have accorded Uganda good publicity that makes it one of the most
sought after tourist destination.
In conclusion,
Uganda is one of the most endowed countries when it comes to natural
attractions. With a lot more to enjoy in this country, there is need to improve
on destination’s image so as to attract most tourists.