Travel News

New stability in Uganda 'boosting tourism'

A degree of stability in the northern region of Uganda is having a positive effect on the country's tourism industry, according to reports.

There has been relative peace in northern Uganda since July 2006, as a result of a peace initiative started in the south of the country between the government and the Lord's Resistance Army.

An increase in the number of hotel rooms is also thought to have contributed to the growth, which saw visitor numbers rise from 535,868 in 2006 to 640,000 last year, Monitor reports.

Ismail Ssekandi of the Presidential Investors Round Table Tourism Committee said: "We are beginning to see real growth in tourist arrivals and increased investments in the industry."

Tourism contributed ten per cent of Uganda's gross domestic product last year and it is set to become more valuable in the near future following investment in services and facilities at national parks.

One of the most popular pursuits in the country is gorilla tracking, which visitors can take part in at Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga park, among other locations.

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