In a recent announcement, the Ugandan government has confirmed the restoration of its full membership status within the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This significant development was revealed during the ongoing UNWTO General Assembly, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, shared this news through a social media post, stating, “Pleased to share that Uganda has regained her full membership status to the United Nations World Tourism Organization as declared on October 18, 2023.”
This renewed status signifies a promising future for Uganda’s tourism industry, as it is expected to unlock additional support, partnerships, and opportunities, further solidifying the country’s position as an attractive destination for travelers worldwide.
Uganda’s tourism sector has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade, a result of significant investments made by both the government and private sector stakeholders. Notably, the data from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities indicates that in 2022, the number of tourist arrivals increased to 814,508, a notable rise from the 473,085 recorded in 2021.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) serves as the UN’s specialized agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The UNWTO General Assembly, currently in session, is the organization’s principal gathering and takes place biennially to approve the budget, discuss critical matters related to the tourism sector, and elect a Secretary-General every four years. The assembly is composed of both Full Members and Associate Members.
This year’s General Assembly, which commenced on October 16 and concludes on October 20, plays a pivotal role in determining the future direction and policies of the global tourism industry.
The growth of Uganda’s tourism industry is further underscored by impressive statistics, including a boost in foreign exchange earnings, rising from $1.2 billion to $1.32 billion during the fiscal year 2020/21. Additionally, the tourism sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) saw a slight increase, moving from 2.9% to 3.1% during the same period.
President Yoweri Museveni’s launch earlier this year of the “Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa” brand has contributed to Uganda’s attractiveness as a preferred tourism destination in Africa. This brand, as recognized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), positions Uganda as a diverse destination offering multiple experiences in a unique location, aiming to be one of the most competitive destinations in Africa and the world for both tourists and tourism investors.
