The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is working on a plan to allow international tourists to fly directly to the country’s tourism sites. This move comes as experts highlight that Uganda has the largest population of mountain gorillas but has struggled to generate substantial revenue due to the long distances and poor road conditions leading to these attractions.
The UTB, responsible for promoting Uganda’s tourism beyond its borders, is currently in discussions with the Immigration department regarding this proposal. The aim is to streamline the travel process for tourists, saving them time and money while making transit more convenient. At present, all international arrivals must first land at Entebbe International Airport for entry clearance before proceeding to their desired destinations.
Ms Lilly Ajarova, CEO of UTB, emphasized that this new arrangement, if approved, would enable tourists to reach their destinations more efficiently. She also pointed out that regional tour operators have expressed concerns about the time and money lost due to these delays.
Ajarova noted the changing trends in international tourism, with travellers seeking to maximize their exploration time. She emphasized the significance of improved air connectivity for increasing tourism arrivals and earnings in Uganda. Despite offering competitive rates for gorilla trekking, Uganda has struggled to fully capitalize on this opportunity because of the lack of direct flights to destinations like Bwindi and Kisoro. Travellers are currently required to pass through Entebbe before taking local chartered flights to these locations.
Uganda’s international tourism numbers have been steadily recovering to pre-Covid-19 levels, with 1.5 million arrivals recorded through Entebbe International Airport. However, Ajarova stressed the need for the immigration department to extend visitor clearance to other airports in the country, enabling tourists to fly directly to their destinations and clear immigration there. The current process of flying to Entebbe for clearance and then back to take local chartered flights is both time-consuming and costly.
Mr Herbert Byaruhanga, the chairperson of Uganda Tourism Association, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to open up facilities for tourists to land at various points of entry across the country. This would not only include Entebbe Airport but also other airports in East Africa, facilitating more direct travel and boosting tourism numbers in the region.
