In an effort to improve tourism in Uganda, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is discussing plans with the Immigration department to allow international tourists to fly directly to popular tourist destinations. Currently, all international arrivals must first land at Entebbe International Airport for clearance before proceeding to their final destinations.
The goal behind this proposal is to save both time and money for tourists, making it more convenient for them to travel. According to Ms. Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of UTB, simplifying the travel process would enable tourists to reach their destinations faster and more comfortably.
Ms. Ajarova has also received complaints from regional tour operators who argue that the current procedures result in unnecessary delays and expenses. She emphasized the changing trends in international tourism, where people seek to maximize their exploration time. She stressed that improving air connectivity is crucial for increasing tourism numbers and revenue.
Despite having the largest population of mountain gorillas and competitive pricing, Uganda struggles to maximize its revenue from gorilla trekking due to the long distances and poor roads leading to these tourist sites. Direct flights to destinations like Bwindi or Kisoro are lacking, forcing travelers to pass through Entebbe before taking local chartered flights.
Uganda’s international tourism numbers have been gradually recovering to pre-COVID-19 levels, with Entebbe International Airport recording increased passenger traffic in the first half of 2023 compared to previous years. However, Ms. Ajarova believes that expanding visitor clearance facilities to other aerodromes across the country would further enhance the tourism experience by allowing tourists to fly directly to their chosen destinations and clear immigration there. This would save time and reduce costs.
Herbert Byaruhanga, the chairperson of Uganda Tourism Association, echoed the need for such changes, suggesting that making the entire East African region accessible to tourists could attract more visitors. The goal is to simplify clearance processes and make it easier for tourists to explore Uganda and the surrounding countries.
