Following the success of the Common Wealth Summit (CHOGM) held in Kampala last year, there is increased international interest in Uganda as a tourist destination.

Uganda has registered a steady increase in the number of tourists during the last 10 years. This is due to the fact that the Government is implementing policies that are favorable to the sector, and security in the national parks is now guaranteed. Security concerns and harsh travel advisories were a stumbling block against visiting some parts of Uganda.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) the government body mandated with the conservation and sustainable management of all the protected areas has engaged the private sector in a bid to ensure the availability of adequate tourism services in future. New hotels and lodges have been and are still built.

Uganda receives 600,000 visitors per year, of which about 100,000 visit the protected areas. The Government is targeting 1 million visitors per year by 2010. Of these, between 300,000 and 500,000 will visit the protected areas.

Some protected areas such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks have got certification from the Civil Aviation Authority to receive commercial flights. Various towns neighboring the protected areas have also got good airstrips. This has led to the increment of more tourists visiting some of the protected areas using air travel.

The Ministry of Tourism, is considering a tax waiver on tourist vehicles and possibly on other tourism infrastructure upcountry such as hotels.

Government departments are involved in setting the stage for more aggressive marketing of the country abroad in order to boost the country’s image. Marketing efforts will target more countries including the US, Canada, Japan, China, Belgium, Netherlands and Russia.