Arua, Uganda — Uganda’s tourism sector is riding on strong momentum, growing by 24% in the first half of 2024, and this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations are set to reflect that optimism. For the first time, the national festivities will be held in Arua City, the commercial hub of the West Nile region, shining a spotlight on one of the country’s most underexplored tourism frontiers.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the celebrations will run throughout September with a series of activities including cultural showcases, conservation initiatives, and campaigns aimed at boosting travel to northwestern Uganda.
Speaking during the official launch at Faraway Hotel last week, State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra said the choice of Arua aligns with this year’s global theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
“By bringing the celebrations to Arua City, we want to showcase the tourism opportunities of the West Nile region and integrate the region more strongly into the national tourism development agenda,” Mugarra said.
The minister emphasized that tourism growth must be inclusive and regionally balanced, ensuring that communities in less-visited areas like West Nile also benefit from the sector’s expansion.
Uganda received 678,811 visitors in 2023, and arrivals have already risen by 12% this year. Revenue trends are equally promising, with tourism earnings in the first half of 2024 hitting Shs 2.68 trillion, up from Shs 2.16 trillion in the same period last year.
For Arua and the wider West Nile, hosting the national event is both symbolic and strategic. With its rich cultural diversity, proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, and untapped natural attractions, the region is poised to benefit from increased visibility and investment.
As Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark World Tourism Day later this month, industry leaders are optimistic that the Arua edition will not only celebrate past achievements but also pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable tourism growth across the country.
