Domestic Tourism Will Keep Sector Afloat, says Minister Mugarra

The State Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, has urged more Ugandans to spare time and visit the different attractions Uganda has to offer.

Mugarra noted that Uganda’s tourism will exponentially develop and grow if the biggest portion of Ugandans embraces travelling to the different attractions, supplementing the foreign travellers/tourists.

He noted that the COVID-19 era proved that locals could partly sustain the industry if they visit and explore Uganda.

He noted that after Ugandans picked interest in travel, there has been a boom in the number of visitors to the different attractions.

“The Uganda Wildlife Educational Centre (UWEC) improved from around 380,000 in 2019 before Covid to 480,000 with an additional 100,000 visitors after COVID-19, the Uganda Museum before COVID-19 in 2019 had around 25,000 to 67,000, because the Ugandans that have picked interest in travelling after the explore campaigns, all our tourism institutions have now improved in their numbers of visitors,” he noted.

He made the remarks at the launch of the forthcoming World Tourism Day to be held in Hoima City. The event will also follow an Explore Bunyoro campaign that will see travel enthusiasts explore the different gems in Bunyoro.

The celebrations will precede on October 1, 2023. To celebrate the power of travel, connect cultures, boost economies, and promote sustainable adventures.

The Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Lilly Ajarova said World Tourism Day celebrations provide a great opportunity to explore Bunyoro and the Oil City.

Ivan Tumuhimbise, the Country Director of WWF Uganda, said they are happy to be associated with the Tourism Day Initiatives since conservation work can not survive unless you are conserving Wildlife and their habitats.

He noted that in Bunyoro Region there has been a lot of degradation of forests and wildlife reserves and the WTD celebrations gives an opportunity to call for the restoration and protection of the resources to continue creating opportunity for the people.

This year’s World Tourism Day events slated for September 27,  2023, in Hoima City, Bunyoro Region, will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.

Brian Kaboyo the Mayor of Hoima City, thanked the Ministry for allowing to hold the celebrations in Hoima.

He noted that they will use the opportunity to launch the Hoima city carnival, but also promote and market the city to the outside world.