World Tourism Week fires up domestic tourism

By Solomon Oleny

According to the World Tourism Organization, every time one travels, for whatever reason, they become part of a global movement; a movement that has the power to drive inclusive development, create jobs and build the sustainable societies we want for our future; a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard our shared natural and cultural heritage.

In tune with this finding, as Uganda joins the rest of the world to celebrate the ongoing World Tourism week, Uganda Wildlife Authority is offering all Ugandans a chance to experience a two-day adventure marathon at Murchison, Uganda's biggest National Park, for as low as sh65,000.

The fee covers up for all adventure costs in the park inclusive of entrance fees, boat cruises along the world's longest river, River Nile, a hike to the top of Murchison falls, game drives, birdwatching and nature walks.

Travel enthusiasts cheer Engena (in ranger gear) and Lira Mayor Maurice Odung (in yellow shirt) as they flag off the start of world tourism week in Lira  Monday

Being a high peak season, the offer which also covers up for budget accommodation and meals could have billed up to at least sh250, 000 per Ugandan.

While gracing the flag off of the start of World Tourism week in Lira last Monday, Engena Raymond, Director of the body which foresees the management of all wildlife Parks in the country, highlighted that the offer which expires this Saturday is fuelled by the need to raise awareness of the important impact tourism has on Uganda and its potential as a force for good, creating a better world for all.

Celebrated annually, the World Tourism Day (WTD) is held annually on 27 September.

The purpose of the event which is preceded by a week long festivity is purposed to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

"It line with this year's theme One billion Visits, one billion opportunities, the offer is also purposed to interest Ugandans into embracing tourism." Engena adds.

The team from Lango listens to Engena as he nourishes them with the history of Murchison falls, during their familiarisation visit to the park

If this is achieved, he is optimistic that they will be able to appreciate the need to uphold conservation or tap some of the available opportunities in the parks.

At the time of writing this, a team of over 20 tourism enthusiasts mainly comprising of students from Lango had taken on the offer and visited the Savannah Park on Monday.

Alternatives

For those who will not be able to make it, the Uganda Tourism Board in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre is holding an animal exhibition at the Lira Golf Course grounds up to the grand finale of the event on 27th September.

Business too hasn't been left out. An arts and cultural exhibition is running at the same arena with free entrance to both exhibitors and visitors.

According to Dr. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Lira was given an opportunity to host the event in an effort to showcase what the Lango sub region has to offer or what it could gain from businesses based in other parts of Uganda.

Some of the wildlife in Murchison falls National Park as seen during the Monday trip with the Lango tourism ethusiasts

In related news, Mutagamba has also called on all to work together to maximize the numerous opportunities that tourism offers to drive inclusive economic growth, protection of our heritage and promotion of sustainable development and a life of dignity for all Ugandans.

To crown the ongoing event, the Tourism Catalogue and portal will be launched on the 27th at Golf Course Grounds.

What tourism means to Uganda

The importance of tourism to Uganda is confirmed by the rising earnings from the industry.

Last year, Uganda earned US$1.03billion from tourism making it the number one foreign income earner. Over 500,000 Ugandans are employed in the tourism industry and government investment in the sector is growing annually.

This figure can only go higher and the impact on the communities greater as more jobs and opportunities open up.

These opportunities abound in Uganda in our culture, people, weather, wildlife, scenery and hospitality among others.