Uganda has long been recognized as a prime safari destination, famed for its rich biodiversity, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the vast savannas teeming with wildlife.
However, recent insights from industry experts suggest that Uganda may be missing out on a significant portion of potential tourism revenue due to a limited focus on attractions beyond its iconic game parks.
In a revealing interview with NTV, Evas Mugisga Orland, the Managing Director of Extreme Adventure Park, shed light on a crucial aspect of Uganda’s tourism landscape.
Why Tourists Are Leaving with Unspent Budgets
During her interview, Mugisga Orland disclosed that research indicates tourists visiting Uganda often return with 60% of their budget unspent. The primary reason for this, she explained, is the lack of alternative attractions beyond the popular Uganda game parks. While Uganda’s national parks are undeniably spectacular and attract a large share of visitors, there is an increasing need to diversify the tourism offerings to enhance visitor experience and spending.
“A lot has to be done,” Mugisga Orland emphasized. “National parks kind of get more attention because they believe that the most exciting things are there, which is true, but we also have different exciting things to show to our guests in terms of extreme adventure games. The ones you find in Dubai, you can now find them in Uganda.”
Her remarks highlight a critical issue: while the traditional safari experience is a key draw, the country could benefit significantly from promoting other forms of tourism. The unspent budgets tourists leave with could be captured if there were more diverse and engaging activities available.
The Untapped Potential of Adventure Tourism
Extreme adventure tourism is an emerging sector with the potential to transform Uganda’s tourism landscape. It involves activities such as zip-lining, quad biking, go-karting, and other adrenaline-pumping experiences that appeal to thrill-seekers. These activities not only cater to a younger demographic but also encourage longer stays, repeat visits, and increased spending.
Mugisga Orland is at the forefront of this movement, championing the inclusion of adventure sports in Uganda’s tourism portfolio. She argues that, while Uganda has made strides in promoting its wildlife, there is a pressing need for the government to recognize adventure tourism as a viable segment. According to her, extreme sports and adventure activities can coexist with the country’s renowned wildlife attractions, creating a more comprehensive tourism offering.
The Call for Government Support and Incentives
One of the significant barriers to developing the adventure tourism sector in Uganda is the high cost of importing specialized equipment. To address this challenge, Mugisga Orland is advocating for the government to provide tax incentives to businesses in the adventure tourism space. While she acknowledges existing tax exemptions granted through the Uganda Hotel Owner’s Association and the Federation of Motorsports of Uganda (FMU), she believes that more can be done.
“We appreciate what already exists, but as an adventure industry, we have to bring in so much, with many different activities that require a lot of machinery,” she noted. “We request that the government further extend the exemption to things like quad bikes and go-karts because they boost adventure tourism.”
By providing tax breaks on imported equipment, the government can encourage investment in adventure tourism, enabling local operators to expand their offerings. This, in turn, would help attract a broader range of tourists, including those interested in more dynamic, high-energy experiences.
Diversifying Uganda’s Tourism Industry: A Way Forward
For Uganda to fully capitalize on its tourism potential, there must be a concerted effort to diversify beyond traditional wildlife safaris. Adventure tourism offers a lucrative opportunity to attract a new market segment, encouraging tourists to explore different parts of the country and engage in a variety of activities. By doing so, Uganda can ensure that tourists are not only drawn to its game parks but are also motivated to extend their stay and explore alternative attractions.
The government’s recognition of the adventure tourism sector, along with supportive policies such as tax incentives, could unlock substantial economic benefits. It would not only boost tourism revenue but also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and enhance Uganda’s overall appeal as a travel destination.
In conclusion, as Mugisga Orland aptly put it, Uganda has a wealth of attractions beyond its national parks. The challenge now is for the government, private sector, and tourism stakeholders to collaborate and build a more diversified tourism industry that leverages the country’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit.
