World Tourism Day: Calls for increased investment in West Nile’s 'untapped' potential

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On Saturday (September 27), Uganda will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Tourism Day, with Arua City, in the country's north, being this year's host.

It is already a hive of activity at the venue, with exhibitors setting up stalls showcasing products and services from both local and national tourism operators.

Alongside the exhibitions, visitors will also benefit from a health camp, as well as business stalls providing food and drinks.

Phiona Amaniyo, one of the local exhibitors already camped at the venue, expressed excitement at being part of the event. She said the celebration offers her a rare opportunity to learn and network with other exhibitors in the tourism industry.

“I am very excited to be part of this year’s World Tourism Day because, as exhibitors, we get to experience a lot in the tourism business. This is a learning and turning point for me,” she said.

Tourism advocate Martine Andua, one of the promoters of tourism in West Nile, welcomed the government’s decision to choose Arua city as this year’s host. 

He described tourism as “one of the major contributors to Uganda’s national budget and earnings,” citing reports from 2024 which show that the country generated sh44.8 trillion from the sector, with international tourist arrivals reaching about 1.3 million.

“Tourism plays a key role in our national budget transformation and meeting the country’s financial needs. It is significant to mark this day both as a country and as the people of West Nile,” said Andua.

However, he expressed concern that West Nile contributes little to the national tourism statistics, noting that many of the region’s potential tourism sites remain undeveloped.

Despite previous meetings, including a 2012 workshop at Kabalega Hotel in Masindi, where stakeholders were trained on identifying opportunities in the region, Andua said that no meaningful action has been taken in over a decade. 

He blamed government inaction for leaving the area’s rich tourism potential untapped.

As the country hosts World Tourism Day in Arua, Andua urged local leaders to use the occasion to raise these concerns with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. 

He also appealed to the government to review tourism costs, such as high park entry fees and amenities, so that ordinary Ugandans can also access tourism opportunities rather than leaving them to foreigners and wealthier citizens.

Meanwhile, Jacob Onama Ochen, a travel and logistics consultant with Trans-Nile Tours and Travel, said the choice of Arua city to host this year's celebration reflects the region’s growing opportunities in trade, investment, and hospitality. He noted, however, that more training is needed in the sector, especially for hoteliers and tour operators.

“Service providers are not yet adequate to deliver the quality experiences tourists expect. Hoteliers must train their staff in hospitality, and tour operators also need professional development,” he said.

Saturday’s national celebrations in Arua are expected to draw stakeholders from across the country, with West Nile leaders hopeful that the event will spotlight the region’s untapped tourism potential.