Tour operators ask gov’t to increase tourism budget by 70 percent

The President of the Uganda Tourism Association, Herbert Byaruhanga, has called upon the government to increase the budget allocated to the tourism sector by 70% as one of the ways to help the sector meet the targets of the National Development Plan III.

Byaruhanga made the remarks during the World Tourism Day celebrations held at Boma Grounds in Hoima City. He stressed that the sector is aiming to attract two million luxury tourists by 2026.

Byaruhanga revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the tourism sector despite having been backed up by different non-government organizations.

He noted that as a sector, they aspire to play a significant role in the economy by generating at least 200,000 jobs that can benefit the unemployed Ugandans.

“Tourism is an economic catalyst in Uganda and presents the most accessible avenues for our nation. I want to call upon the Members of Parliament, the prime minister and the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda to urgently think about tourism,” he said.

He added that Uganda is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders and cultural treasures. “I want to extend my thanks to the government for creating an environment that’s conducive to tourism development,” he said.

“This also encompasses investment in infrastructure, maintenance of the beautiful climate and dedicated efforts to conserve the cultural heritage,” he added.

Since the World Tourism Day was held in Bunyoro region, Byaruhanga called upon leaders in the Oil City and region at large to save all the opportunities that may arise from the development of the oil airport.

Byaruhanga highlighted that this is a golden opportunity to equip the youth in the region with the knowledge and skills they need to benefit from the development.

This year’s World Tourism Day has been celebrated under the theme – Tourism and Green Investment.