Tourism helps lead the recovery of Uganda after years of conflict

KAMPALA [ACTED News] – Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide book, has named Uganda “the Pearl of Africa” as the best tourism destination for tourists in 2012. This and other awards such as National Geographic Magazine voting Mt. Rwenzori one of the top 15 hiking spots in the world are bringing much needed visibility to the recovering country. Tourism is a prime opportunity for Uganda to build its economy and help drive the revitalization efforts that are needed in many parts of the country. Uganda is utilizing its landscape to re-build the country and help its population out of poverty, unemployment, and a struggling economy.

Uganda has many breathtaking natural parks, waterfalls, wildlife, and the source of the River Nile that can rival or beat its neighbors. Promoting the tourism industry is a critical way to help the economy and develop local communities.

Uganda has been devastated by over 20 years of conflict, damaging infrastructure, economic livelihoods, and development in the country. Among its East African neighbors of Tanzania and Kenya, Uganda is often overlooked by the tourism industry due to its plagued reputation of conflict and insecurity.