Tourism Sector Affected by Tourist Booking Cancellations, Recent Security Incident Sparks Concern
Tourism industry professionals have expressed worries regarding the recent wave of tourist booking cancellations. This concern follows a tragic incident that occurred last week in the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese District, where two foreign tourists and their Ugandan guide lost their lives in an attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, resulting in the destruction of their vehicle.
Industry players have reported significant losses due to these cancellations. Godfrey Byaruhanga, the managing director of Kagando Friends Rangers Limited, revealed that they have already canceled three bookings for the months of October and November. The cancellation of these bookings has led to a loss of $300 (Shs1.1 million) for the company, as each trip costs $100 (Shs372,000).
Benon Isuka, CEO of Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS), also expressed the impact of the incident on tour operators. Three bookings, including one with a $1,600 (Shs6 million) deposit, have been canceled, potentially resulting in a total loss of $7,600 (Shs28.3 million) for accommodations, meals, transportation, mountain climbing, and guide services.
William Bwambale, a tour guide, reported that one of his clients scheduled to visit Uganda in January has canceled, while three others are reconsidering their plans. Bwambale emphasized that fear has gripped tourists, especially those who have never been to the country before, and they are waiting to gauge the country’s security situation before making decisions.
Robert Centenary, the managing director of Rwefuma Safaris, mentioned that the incident has generated doubts about the safety of Uganda. Potential clients now inquire about the safety of traveling to the country, which is causing skepticism in the tourism sector.
He urged the government to strengthen security in national parks, given that tourism is Uganda’s largest source of foreign exchange. Queen Elizabeth National Park, as the second-largest park in the country, contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings. Centenary emphasized that the security of this park is crucial to the entire tourism sector’s well-being.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) were unsuccessful at the time of this report. However, Mr. Sam Mwandha, the executive director of UWA, declared that the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, encompassing the national park and Mt Rwenzori National Park, is secure. Mwandha confirmed that UWA has collaborated with various security agencies, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Kasese Resident District Commissioner, and UWA staff, to develop a program ensuring the safety of all guests.
