Challenges Affecting Tourism Business in Uganda
We highlight big challenges affecting the tourism business in Uganda that has hampered the growth of many tour operators in the region. Tour operators have always faced it rough though the business is perceived to be the most profitable and lucrative industry.
Take a look at the top 5 challenges affecting the tourism business in Uganda.
1. Market accessibility.
Tourism businesses in Uganda have fought so hard for market access. Tapping into the right market is not a walk into the park but always a steep slope that requires adequate preparations from online marketing efforts and trade show participation. Travel trade shows require an additional substantial capital base from paying off exhibitors’ fees, travel air tickets, accommodation, and marketing materials to mention but a few. It is always advised to take part in travel shows as you grow gradually and after assessing the benefits of being part of a particular trade show.
2. No government intervention
The government has always stepped away from giving support to tourism businesses in Uganda and to the industry at large. Unlike in other countries, where governments support and finance the tourism business, In Uganda, this is on the contrary tourism business grows independently and finds it so hard to grow as expected. This has indeed been among the greatest challenges affecting the tourism business in Uganda.
3. High government taxation
Tourism businesses in Uganda including tour operators, hotels, and airline companies operating in the industry have experienced scanty growth resulting from poor and high taxes imposed on them. Taxes are imposed on them which impacts on the product prices which makes them out-compete with the rest of the competing East African countries as a perfect safari destination.
4. Lack of Information
The majority of tourism businesses lack product knowledge information not only about tourism products but also about the source market behavior and buying characteristics. Access to the right and relevant information is very important in the tourism industry. Accurate and reliable information about tourism products and markets.
5. Image of the Country in the source market.
Uganda’s country image in the source market has been one of the greatest challenges affecting the tourism business. Uganda has been tainted as a country of poor leadership where human rights are not respected, the land of diseases such as Ebola, Marburg, and internal wars that distract tourism in the country to thrive as expected.
Tourism in Uganda is believed to be one of the greatest foreign exchange earners in the country and the majority of visitors to Uganda are attracted to gorilla trekking tours that allows them to come face to face with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park.
