President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the tourism stakeholders to increase efforts to market Uganda’s tourism attractions, given the high potential of the sector as a driver to the country’s economic growth. 

This message was delivered by Diana Kyaremera, who represented the President, as the Chief Guest at the Annual Tourism Banquet at Sheraton Kampala Hotel last Thursday.

Organised by the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), the function brought together tourism stakeholders celebrating achievements, excellence, and consolidating partnerships to transform the country’s tourism sector.

The President said Uganda’s beauty, wildlife, culture, and favourable climate offer the country a better edge in attracting visitors into the country. He emphasised that conservation successes such as the reintroduction of rhinos into the world after a 43-year absence demonstrate Uganda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.

In addition, Museveni told the stakeholders that Uganda must do more to promote its tourism. He wondered why Uganda receives only 1.6 million tourist arrivals a year yet countries such as France attract more than 100 million visitors.

“We need to double our efforts to unlock the potential of the tourism sector,” Museveni said.

The President commended the tourism ministry and the Uganda Tourism Board for promoting destination Uganda through initiatives such as the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo.