Uganda’s tourism industry recorded significant growth and recovery in 2024, with international tourist arrivals rising by 7.7% to 1,371,895, up from 1,274,210 in 2023.
This rebound signals renewed confidence in Destination Uganda and sets the country on track for full tourism recovery by the end of 2025.
The surge was largely driven by increased arrivals from mainland Africa and growth in traditional overseas markets such as the United Kingdom, United States, and India.
This is contained in the 2024 Tourism Performance Statistics Report,released by the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities.
While Africa continued to dominate Uganda’s inbound tourism with an 89.2% share, overseas arrivals also rose by 8.9% to 137,411 visitors. Although modest, this growth nudged the overseas market share from 10% in 2023 to 10.1% in 2024.
Overseas tourists—who are generally high spenders—remain a key focus for Uganda’s tourism strategy, given their significant contribution to foreign exchange earnings.
Major contributors to overseas arrivals included Asia (4.7%), Europe (2.7%), and the Americas (2.1%). Notably, Canada and Bangladesh emerged as strong growth markets with 148% and 110% increases in arrivals, respectively.
Tourism receipts grew by an impressive 25.9%, reaching UGX 4.81 trillion (US$1.28 billion), up from UGX 3.82 trillion (US$1.03 billion) in 2023. This 26% rise in earnings reflects a shift toward attracting higher-yield tourists.
The average international visitor spent more (US$125 per day, up from US$110) and stayed longer (8.7 nights versus 8.3).
These earnings represented 16% of Uganda’s total exports in 2024, underlining the sector’s vital economic role. Despite still being 10.8% below pre-pandemic levels, the sector has recovered 89.2% of its 2019 figures.
A significant portion of tourist spending—nearly 80 cents of every shilling—went to accommodation, food and beverages, passenger transport, and travel agency services. This underscores the importance of continued investment in these service sectors to sustain growth.
Tourism experts say Uganda is on the right trajectory, shifting focus from merely increasing tourist numbers to improving value per visitor.
This sustainable approach, alongside growing interest from markets like China, Canada, and Bangladesh, bodes well for Uganda’s global tourism footprint.
With momentum building, stakeholders are optimistic that 2025 will see the industry fully rebound to pre-COVID-19 performance.
Among the Attendees were; Pearl Kakooza the UTB Chairperson, Isa Kato representing AUTO, Hon. Mwijukye Francis, Bradford Ocheng Deputy CEO at UTB, Joseph Esule UTB M&E Officer, Hon. Kwobere Herbert, Hon. Afidra Olema Ronald, Hon. Osoru Mourine, Hon. Kirabo Agnes and Hon. Beth Engola.