UGANDA'S TOURISM SECTOR HITS RECORD HIGH OF US$1.28 BILLION IN 2024.

Doreen S. Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, speaks during the Breakfast Meeting on the Dissemination of Tourism Performance Statistics at Hotel Africana on Thursday, 17th April 2025.

Kampala, Uganda | April 17, 2025 — The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities on Thursday released the 2024 Tourism Performance Statistics at Hotel Africa under the theme ''A Year of Growth and Recovery''.

2024 marked a year of remarkable recovery and growth for Uganda’s tourism sector. With international tourism bouncing back globally, Uganda’s performance stood out with a 7.7% increase in international tourist arrivals and a 25.9% surge in tourism earnings.

In 2024, Uganda welcomed 1,371,895 international visitors, recovering to 89.2% of pre-pandemic levels, courtesy of strategic marketing efforts, improved partnerships and continued investments in tourism infrastructure and conservation.

According to the Report, International tourism receipts grew to UGX 4.8 trillion (approximately USD 1.28 billion), up from USD 1.025 billion in 2023, contributing 16% of Uganda’s total exports.

Speaking at the release of the Report, Doreen S. Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, highlighted the positive shift towards high-value tourism, with international visitors staying longer (average 8.7 nights) and spending more (USD 125 per day). The value per tourist hit an all-time high, reflecting the Ministry’s deliberate strategy to attract quality tourism over quantity.

She said, 'On our road to recovery of the sector, we have seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals to Uganda, which had fallen to an all-time low of 473,085 tourists in 2020. Most of the visitors are from African countries such as Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, as well as overseas visitors from the United States, India, and the United Kingdom among others''.

‘’2024 marked an increase in the average length of stay and expenditure of tourists in Uganda. This means tourists are staying longer in the country and spending more. This has a significant impact on our foreign exchange earnings and the Balance of Payments of the Country. Tourism also greatly impacted employment, GDP, and investment in the country, she added.

Leisure tourism saw an increase, with its share rising from 16% to 19%, driven by targeted marketing campaigns such as the Explore Uganda — Pearl of Africa. Additionally, domestic tourism participation grew by 5.2%, with 2.8 million Ugandans exploring the country’s national parks, cultural sites, and other key attractions.

The year was also marked by significant recognition at the international level:

• Uganda was voted the “Most Desirable Country in the Rest of the World” by Wanderlust Travel Awards 2024.

• Featured among the Top 4 places to visit in 2024 by Bradt Guides.

• Listed as a top travel destination by CNN, National Geographic, The New York Times, and Lonely Planet.

Key source markets for international tourists included India, the USA, China, the UK, and Canada, while top regional markets remained Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and Eritrea. Notably, leisure travellers from the USA, UK, Germany, Kenya, and Rwanda led the pack, showcasing a strong blend of long-haul and regional interests.

The Ministry also highlighted the significant role tourism plays in Uganda’s economy:

• Direct contribution to GDP was UGX 6.06 trillion (3.2%)

• Employment amounted to 803,000 jobs (approximately 7.2% of total employment)

• Tourism investments grew by UGX 7.5 billion (17.2% of the national total)

Investments in infrastructure such as the Source of the Nile pier, cultural site maintenance, electric fencing in national parks, and the introduction of star-rated hotels (now totalling 83 nationwide) further strengthened Uganda’s tourism appeal.

The tourism industry continues to be a pillar of this country’s economy. In the forthcoming 4th National Development Plan (NDP IV), Tourism is identified as an anchor sector to create jobs, improve standards of living, and promote inclusive development across the country.

According to Future Projections for FY 2024/25, the Ministry aims to:

• Complete key infrastructure projects, including the Source of the Nile Glass Bridge and Rwenzori Mountain Shelters.

• Expand global media campaigns on international media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and YouTube among others.

• Promote MICE tourism through international expos and conferences.

• Advance wildlife conservation and heritage site protection.

Uganda’s tourism future is brighter than ever. With targeted efforts in sustainability, high-value tourism, and infrastructure development, Uganda is poised to exceed 1.6 million tourist arrivals by 2025.

END