02/05/2023
From Hunting Safaris to Ecotourism: Uganda's Tourism Evolution - Kato Festo
1/10: Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa," is a country with a rich history & diverse culture. For years, it has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience its natural beauty, wildlife, and unique attractions. In this article, we will explore the history of tourism in Uganda and how it has contributed to the country's development.
Uganda's tourism industry can be traced back to the 20th century when the country was still under British rule. At that time, the country was marketed to tourists as a safari destination, with the focus being on big game hunting. Hunting safaris were conducted by wealthy British and American tourists who came to the country in search of elephants, lions & other big games. Hunting remained a significant part of the country's tourism industry until the mid-1960s when the Ugandan government banned it.
In the 1950s & 1960s, Uganda became a popular destination for Hollywood filmmakers who came to shoot movies. Some of the movies shot in Uganda during this period include "The African Queen" & "Mogambo." These movies helped to put Uganda on the map as a tourist destination.
In the 1970s, Uganda experienced a period of political instability, which had a significant impact on tourism. The country's tourism infrastructure got destroyed & many of the wildlife parks were neglected. The country's tourism industry didn't fully recover until the mid-1980s when the government started to invest in the sector.
The government's investment in tourism led to the development of new tourist attractions, like the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to mountain gorillas. The government also invested in upgrading the country's infrastructure, such as roads and airfields, to make it easier for tourists to travel around the country.
In the 1990s & 2000s, Uganda became popular for ecotourism, a form of sustainable tourism that promotes conservation & protection of the environment. Uganda's ecotourism focuses on wildlife safaris, bird watching & gorilla trekking, among other activities.
The country's ecotourism industry has been successful in promoting conservation & has contributed to the country's economic development.
Amos Wekesa Lilly Ajarova Kato Festo Uganda Wildlife Authority
