PREAMBLEWHYTOURISM Tourism is the Worlds largest industry. Tourism can be an economic locomotive bringingemployment,economicgrowthandearningsinforeigncurrency.

igncurrency.Tourismisnot directed to commercial or population centres but in most cases towards natural and culturalresources.Consequently,tourismhasthepowertoplayasignificantroleinareas ofacountrywhereothercommercialactivitiesarelimited. Tourismhasinrecentyearsdevelopedagreenprofilewheresustainabilityhasbeenin focus. Community development and the sustainable conservation and use of the environmentarethekeycomponentsinvolvedinecotourismdevelopment. Tourism takes many forms. It includes package holiday tourists, backpackers, overlanders,businesstravelers,travellerstomeetingsorconventions,visitorstofriends andrelativesandpeopletravellingforhealthorreligiousreasons(seeAnnexI).Allof these tourists leave money behind in the country visited. However, from a tourism promotion and marketing point of view travellers coming to a country for holiday/pleasurereasonsandtravellersarrivingformeetings,conventionsorworkshops arethemostsignificantbecause:(1)theyleaveasubstantialamountofmoneybehindand (2)theycanbeattractedtoacountrybecauseofmarketingandpromotionactivitiesby thecountry.Incontrasttoholiday/pleasuretourists,businesstravellersorthosevisiting friendsandrelativescannotbemotivatedthroughmarketingcampaigns. Why tourism to Uganda? Uganda is endowed with plentiful natural and cultural resources which can form the basis for a very lucrative tourism industry, creating employmentandgeneratingincomenotonlyintheeconomiccentresbutalsoinrural areas. Furthermore, through tourism Uganda will be better able to protect its rich biodiversityandculturalheritage. WhatisrequiredtomovetourisminUgandaahead? Holidaytravellersarebombarded withalternativeproductsandalternativedestinations.UgandaiscompetingontheWorld marketandtopenetratethismarketitisnecessarytooffergoodqualityproductsata competitivepricebutmostofalltoofferuniqueproductswithaUgandanapproach.Itis, however,notenoughjusttohavetherightproduct;Governmentmustsupportthetourism sector,providesecurityandprovideaconduciveenvironment.Theprivatesectorshould provideinvestmentsandthepeopleofUgandaoughttosupportandparticipateinthis development. The present tourism policy paper is aiming at creating a policy framework to move tourisminto amajor economic sectorinUgandaandforUgandatotakepartinthe developmentoftheinternationalholidayandleisuremarketwhichwilldevelopeven further inthefuture. Ugandahassomethingspecialtooffer butitneedstogetthe frameworkinplacesoastorealisethebenefits.

1. INTRODUCTION Inthe1960sUgandawasthemaintourismdestinationinEasternAfrica,andtourism became one of the country's main economic sectors. However, during the period of turmoil in the 1970s and 80s, wildlife was hunted virtually to extinction in many protectedareas,andtourisminfrastructurewaslootedanddestroyed. Today,after18 yearsofstabilityandgrowthinUganda,thetourismindustryhasstrongpotentialforre establishment and growth. However, touristic resources and attractions are not well developedandtheindustryhasfailedtoachievesignificantgrowth. Withappropriatedevelopmentandmarketing,tourismmayonceagainbecomealeading countrywideeconomicsector,withanevenstrongereconomicimpactthanagriculture and industry in respect of foreign currency earnings. This potential was already recognized 10yearsagowhenthecurrentGovernmenttriedtorevitalisethetourism sectorthroughvariousstepsincludingformulatingatenyeartourismmasterplan.The privatetourismsectorrespondedpositivelyandnewtourismfacilitiesweredevelopedin various locations inUganda.Unfortunately,anumberofproblems includingpolitical instabilityintheGreatLakesregionandsecurityproblemsinUgandahavedrastically inhibitedtourismdevelopment.Investorsintourismfacilitiessufferedgreatlyandsome establishmentswentintoliquidation.Asaconsequence,tourismdevelopmenthasnot realizeditspotentialinUganda. Today,however,thereisnewoptimismfortourismdevelopment.Thesecuritysituation hasimprovedandstakeholdershavechangedattitudetowardsjointdevelopmentefforts. Consequently,stakeholdersinvolvedintourismseetheopportunitytoaccomplishwhat couldnotbeaccomplished10yearsago.Ajointprivateandpublicsectorspiritindicates thatitisnowtimetoformulateanewtourismpolicyandstrategy. TheaimoftheTourismPolicyandStrategyistooutlineawayforwardforastrong developmentofthetourismsector.Thepolicyhasbeenformulatedundertheguidanceof aSteeringCommitteeconsistingofkeystakeholders.Theprocesshasbeenparticipatory andconsultative,withworkshopsheldinKampalaandthekeydistrictsofMasindi,Lira, MbaleandMbarara.Thereisneedforinstruments,theframeworknecessaryinstitutions andcommunicationschannelstogetthesectormoving. 2. CURRENTSTATUS,CONSTRAINTSANDLIMITATIONS Tourism has not developed as expected, despite the fact that the country has many potential touristic attractions. The strength of tourism in Uganda is the unspoilt wildernessareas,thegorillas;therichcultureandthespecialcombinationofnatureand culture(seeAnnexIIforUgandasuniquenessasatouristdestination).Evenunderthese circumstances revenue from the service sector (mainly tourism), as indicated in the 2

BalanceofPaymentStatisticsbytheBankofUganda,madeup115millionUSDinyear 2001aheadofcoffeewith107millionUSD.However,thisincomeislargelyderived frombusinessvisitorsanddomestictourism,ratherthaninternationalpleasuretourists visitingnationalparksandstayinginprivatesectorlodges(seeAnnexIforkeytourism statistics). WhathasheldtourismbackistheproblemofinsecurityandthepoorimageofUgandaas atourismdestination.Securityimprovementandchangeoftheimagearethereforetwo crucialfactorstotourismdevelopment.Furthermore,theinstitutionalcapacityofboththe publicandprivatesectorsisinadequatetoinitiatetourismdevelopment.Inthepublic sector tourism has been moved from having its own ministry to be part of a larger ministryandthestaffworkingwithtourismhasbeendrasticallyreduced.Byandlarge thepublicsectortourismfunctions havebeenunderstaffedwithlimited financialand humanresourcecapacity.InthissituationtheprivatesectorfeelsthatGovernmentdoes notprovidefullpoliticalsupportforthedevelopmentofthetourismsector.Foritspart, theprivatesectorhasbeenfragmentedwithoutthenecessaryjointresourcestoforma leadingroleintourismdevelopment. Despitetheseproblems,theprivatesectorhasundertakensomecrucialinvestmentsin lodgesandfacilities.However,thelownumberoftouristshasledtounderutilisationof thefacilitiesandverypoorfinancialperformances.Thesectorhasestablishedanumber of tourism associations, including the umbrella Uganda Tourism Association (UTA). However,themembershipsupportandoverallcapacityarelimited. Tourism promotion and marketing activities have been very limited because of insufficientGovernmentfundingcombinedwiththepoorfinancialsituationoftheprivate sector. Withdonorsupporthavesomekeypromotionactivitieshavebeenundertaken. FundingwasplannedtobeprovidedthroughatourismlevyaspartoftheUgandaTourist Board(UTB)Statuteof1994,butthelevyhasneverbeenimplemented.Theinsufficient funding for marketing and promotion activities, the lack of a financially supported marketingstrategyandthelackofresourcesatUTBhaveresultedinoverallinadequate marketing efforts to attract niche markets and to attract mainstream tourist groups. Instead tourists attracted to Uganda have, to a large extent, been backpackers and overlanders. Atthecommunitylevel, theUgandaCommunity TourismAssociation (UCOTA)has beenestablished.Thisassociationaswellasothercommunityassociationshavetakena numberofinitiativestodeveloptourismatthegrassrootslevel. However,ingeneral, districtsandlocalcommunitiesoftenlackawarenessandappreciationoftheirtourism resourcesanddevelopmentpotential.Communicationbetweenlocalcommunitiesandthe central/nationalorganisationsisinadequateandcommunitiesparticipateonlytoavery limitedextentinthetourisminvestmentsanddevelopments.Thelackofcollaborationof thecommunityassociationswithinanumbrellaassociationresultsininconsistenciesin productquality,andmakesproductbrandingandmarketingdifficult.

Communities have not played a significant proactive role in respect of protection of naturalandculturalresourcesinUganda.Unfortunatelyinmanyareas,forestshavebeen cut down, wetlands have been drained, and there has been widespread poaching of wildlife.Thisnegativestateofaffairshasbeencausedbyseveralfactorsincludinglack ofawarenessatthecommunitylevelandtheincreasingdemandfornaturalresources. The decentralisation policy, which provides for the direct involvement of local governmentsinresourceprotectionandutilisationis,however,expectedtoimprovethe situation. UgandaWildlifeAuthority(UWA)wasestablishedin1996and,withdonorsupport,this organisation is developing its capabilities to manage the wildlife protected areas. However,althoughUWAhasawardedconcessionsfortourismdevelopments,thishas been done in a haphazard and inconsistent manner, without clear vision for how to developitswildlifeareasfortourism.Consequently,furtherinterventionsarerequired before UWA,throughcollaboration withtheprivatesector,canensurethenecessary productdevelopmentandproductdiversificationenvisagedasthebasisforthetourism development strategy focusing on development of niche markets. Consequently, additional links and closer collaboration between UWA, UTB and the private sector/developersarerequired. ConstrainingfactorsinthisrespecthavebeenthelackofsufficientresourcesatUTB,and insufficientcollaborationbetweenUTB,UTAandUWAinproductdevelopmentand marketing/promotion. Domestictourismconsistsoftwoverydifferentmarketsegments:Ugandancitizensand foreignresidentslivinginUganda.Ugandancitizenshaveinthepastshownalimited interestinvisitingnationalparksandstayingintouristaccommodationfacilitieslocated intheparks.Thereareseveralreasonsforthissituationincludinglackofaccessibility (lackofpublictransporttotheparks),highcostsinvolvedinvisitingparks(inadequate facilitiesandservicesforthedomesticmarket)andlackofperceptionoftheimportance ofparksandprotectedareasforUganda.Thislackofperceptionis,however,changing and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe received 130,000 visitors (mostly Ugandancitizens)lastyear.Thenumberofvisitorstoparkshasalsoincreasedandlast year19,000Ugandacitizensvisitedtheparks. Inrecentyears,foreignresidentsinUgandahaveformedamajorsourceofrevenuefor UWA (through park entry fees and gorilla permits), and for the lodges and tourism enterprises located within the parks. It is through this particular market that tourist lodgeshavesurvivedthedifficultiesofthelastfewyears. Astrongerdomestictourismmarketwillbenefittourismdevelopmentatthedistrictlevel aswellastouristoperationswithinnationalparks.Throughincreaseddomestictourism, facilities and services located in the protected areas will be improved and parks

operationsunderUWAwillbeenhanced.Apositiveupwardspiralintourismservices willbetheresult. Furthermore,thestepwisedevelopmentofcommunitytourismand ecotourismproductswillrequireastrongerdomesticdemandasabasisformovingthe products ahead to a higher international quality level. The development of domestic tourismisthereforecriticaltotheimplementationoftheoutlinedtourismdevelopment strategy. 3. TOURISMPOLICYOBJECTIVES 3.1 GeneralObjective

Theaimofthenationaltourismpolicyistoensurethattourismbecomesavehiclefor povertyreductioninthefuturetotheextentpossiblewithintheresourcebaseandmarket limitations. The general objective is in line with the governments overall goal of poverty reduction in the country. Tourism development should be based on a wide participationofUgandanandforeigninvestorsanditshouldformthebasisforprotection of the environment including financial support for developing national parks and protectedareas.Tourismdevelopmentmustbesociallyandculturallyacceptable. Theobjectiveofthenationaltourismpolicyistodefineanewwayaheadfortourism development,leadingtoanincreaseinthepresentleveloftouristarrivalstoUgandafrom about200,000toabout500,000duringa10yearperiod.Thegrowthwillinparticular take place in respect of pleasure/holiday tourism from about 25,000 tourists to approximately100,000aftera10yearperiodbringinginanadditional150millUSD. When the expected growth ofother tourism categories are added, tourism income is expectedtoincreasetoalevelofUSD360millionwithinthe10yearperiod,making tourism a strong locomotive in the economic development of Uganda. The expected tourismincomewill,toalargeextent,bewidelyspreadinUgandaincludingincomeat thedistrictlevel. 3.2 SpecificObjectives

Economic Tourismshouldbecomeavehicleforeconomicdevelopmentthroughthefollowing: Derivegreaterrevenuesfromanincreasingnumberofpleasuretouristarrivals, longerlengthsofstayandhigherdailyexpenditure.Thiswillbeachievedthrough product development and marketing to target a wide range of markets. It is anticipatedthattourismshallbecomeoneoftheleadingexportsectorswitha substantialcontributiontotheGDP.

Distribute revenue earnings widely, with the largescale participation of communities and districts in the development. Economic linkages shall be enhancedtoobtainmaximumeconomicbenefitsofthedevelopment. Encouragethedevelopmentofecotourism,agrotourismandcommunitytourism products(seeAnnexIfordefinitions).

InstitutionaltheDrivingForce Promotetheprivatesectorasthedrivingforceinrespectofthefuturetourism development. Ensurethatthepublicsectorwillprovidearegulatoryaswellasaconducive environmentforthedevelopment. Ensure that the public sector shall guide and support the future development throughappropriatedevelopmentplanningandthroughprovidingincentivesand fullpoliticalsupport. Through Government and private sector initiatives, encourage community and district participation in tourism development, and provide support to local entrepreneursindevelopingsustainableandviabletourismprojectsatthelocal level. Ensurethattheprivatesectorshallenhanceitsinstitutionalsetupinordertotake theleaddevelopmentrole.

Environmental Developtourisminasustainablemanner,focusingonAgenda21issuesinrespect of the development of tourism facilities as well as services including tour programmes. Nature is the main attraction and tourism development shall be plannedsoastoencouragenaturefriendlyproductdevelopments. Ensure that conservation programmes between different Government agencies (UWA,ForestDepartment,Wetlands)arewellcoordinated. Develop facilities and products in national parks in accordance with park managementplans.Tourismdevelopments inparksshallbeinnovative,whilst remainingenvironmentallysustainable. Provide for the channeling of tourism revenues towards the protection of the naturalresourcebase.Ontheprotectedarealevelthiswillbeachievedthrough parkentryfeestoUWA,andonthelevelofnaturalresourcesoutsideprotected areas,asageneratorofinterestinprotectionofthenaturalresourcebase(forests, wildlife, wetlands etc.) through generation of funds to local government and communities.

Cultural

Emphasize the development of tourism based on Uganda's rich culture and history,andonthediversetraditionsandhospitalityofitspeople. Develop cultural attractions such as monuments, museums theatres, and performanceactfortourism Maintain and foster the diversity of cultures, traditions and ceremonies, and encourageaUgandanidentityandculturalpride. Supportthedevelopmentofhandicrafts,toshowUgandancultureaswellasbeing aproviderofruraleconomicbenefitsharing.

4. TOURISMPOLICYOUTLINE 4.1 Introduction

Theobjectivesoutlinedabovearetranslatedintoasetoftourismpoliciesandstrategiesin ordertoachievethesettargets. Implementationofthetourismpoliciesandstrategies willprovidethenecessarylegalinstrumentsandresourcestofacilitatethedevelopment. The policy and strategic planning are thus geared towards providing a new and supportiveframework.Thepolicyandstrategyisdividedintoseparatesections,butthe overallapproachisholistic,astheproposedtourismdevelopmentneedstobetackledina holisticmanner. Based upon the stakeholder messages, the fundamental development principle is to mobilizestakeholders,forgelinkagesbetweenprivateandpublicsectors,andestablishan enabling institutional setup. Very much linked to this basic principle, workshop participants clearly expressed the need for a bottomup principle to complement the existingtopdownapproach.Itisconsequentlynecessarytodeveloptourismatthegrass rootslevel.Finallyitbecameveryclearthattourismshouldbeprivatesectordrivenand the private sector was ready to move ahead with support from Government and developmentpartners. Onthisbasis,thenewtourismpolicyshallaimfirstofallatprovidingtheinstruments andthepathforatourismsectortakeoffofwithinthenext4to5yearsandsecondlyat providingtheframeworkforalongtermsustainabletourismsectorenhancingeconomic growthinUganda.Itis,however,veryclearthatifthefirstaimcannotbeaccomplished, thesecondaimwillalsofail.Therefore,thetourismpolicymustensurethatthepolicy can be implemented and that the policy will provide momentum to undertake the necessarychanges. 4.2 PolicyOutline

Thepolicyandrelatedspecificstrategiesaredividedintothefollowingissues: TheResourceBase ProductDevelopmentandMarketing GeneralSupportandCommunication DevelopmentFramework RegionalandInternationalCooperation

4.2.1

ResourceBase

Uganda'snumerousnaturalandculturalresourceshavegreatpotentialfordevelopmentas tourismattractionsofhighinternationalstandard.Unfortunately,overthelast30years thepreviouslyworldknownnaturalresourceshavebeendepleted.Itisanticipatedthat throughtheestablishmentoftheNationalEnvironmentManagementAuthority(NEMA), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the proposed Uganda Museums and MonumentsAgency(UMMA)andNationalForestAuthority(NFA),thatthesetrends willbereversed. Throughthedecentralisationprocessandtheestablishmentoflocal governmentcouncils,districtsnowhavethepowertosupportsustainableuseoflocal naturalandculturalresourcesfortourismdevelopment. Tourismisaservicesectorandthehumanresourcebaseiscrucialforthesectorslong term development. The human resources form the basis forUganda to manage and developthetourismsector.Theservicelevelwithinthetourismsectorislowandbelow internationalandregionalstandards.Manpowercapabilitiesandstaffprofessionalismare likewiseinadequateforthesectortogrow.Theproblemisnotthequantitybutthequality oftraining. Adequateinstitutionaltrainingandproperlinksbetweentheprivatesector andthetraininginstitutionsarerequired. Tourismtrainingshallbeledbytheprivate sector,underaregulatoryframeworksetbyGovernment. NaturalResources The Government shall continue to make a concerted effort to strengthen the protectedareasthroughfurtherfinancialsupporttoUWA. TheWildlifeProtectedAreaSystemPlan(WPASP)shallbefullyimplemented byUWAunderGovernmentsupport. UWAshallimplementandfurtherdevelopprotectedareamanagementplansand shallenhancethecollaborationwithcommunitiesinordertoprotectthenatural resourcebase. TheGovernmentandtourismstakeholdersshallgivestrongsupporttotheForest Policyof2001inordertoconservethebiodiversityofforestsinUganda. UgandaisuniqueinEasternAfricainhavinganextensive,interconnectedsystem oflakesandinterconnectingriversandwaterbodies.Governmentshallregulate wetlanduseinUganda. Ecotourismaiming atenhancingsustainable useofnatural resourcesshallbe promoted. Environmentalimpactassessment(EIA)proceduresshallbeenhancedinrespect ofalldevelopmentsinsensitivetourismareaswithinandoutsideprotectedareas. SupportshallbeprovidedtothedistrictsbyGovernment,donorsandNGOsto enhancethecapabilitiesonthelocallevelofprotectinganddevelopingvaluable naturalandculturalresourcesforsustainableuse. EnhancingtheactivitiesoftheUgandaWildlifeEducationCentre(UWEC),the WildlifeClubsofUganda(WCU),theUgandaWildlifeSocietyandothercivil societyinstitutions inrespectofpromotingandcreating awarenessofwildlife conservation. 9

CulturalResources CulturalbasedtourismwillbeenhancedthroughactivitiesofKingdomsandother civilsocietyinstitution. TheUgandaMuseumsandMonumentsAgency(UMMA)willbeenhancedto preserveandbringtolifetheculturesofthetraditionalKingdoms. Ugandasrichculturalheritagewillformanessentialelementinthepromotion, marketing andproduct development oftourism. Cultural events, performances andfestivalsatthedistrictlevelwillbedevelopedandincorporatedintotourism products.Tourismdevelopmentwillbeconductedwithduesensitivitytolocal culturesandtraditions. Touroperatorswillbelinkedtocommunitytourismprojectstoensurethatculture isfeaturedintouroperatorprogrammes.Atthesametime,localcommunitieswill forgefaircommercialarrangementswiththenationalandinternationaltourism agencies.

TrainingandHumanResourceDevelopment Tourismtrainingshallbemarketledwithprivatesectorownership,regulatedby publicinstitutions.Trainingshallforspecificactivitiesandprogrammesbeself financing.Generalsupportshallbeobtainedfromtheprivatesectorthrougha proposedtourismandtraininglevy. Institutional training shall focus on training needs. Proper curricula and close linkswiththetourismsectorshallbedeveloped. Tailormade training courses shall be provided for tour guides, tourism communitystaff,specialisedguidesandlocaldistrictstafftoworkwithtourism. Trainingshallfocusontheneedformanpowerrequiredfordevelopmentofniche markets. Inhousetrainingandtrainthetrainerprogrammesshallbeprovidedtoimprove thelevelofstaffcapabilities. Stricterlicensingoftraininginstitutionsshallbeintroducedtoensurethetraining qualitylevel. TheHotelandTourismTrainingInstituteinJinjashallbeoperatedcloselylinked totheprivatesectorinordertoimprovetheInstitutesfinancialstatus. The quality of the training shall be improved through introduction of a certification,diplomaandaccreditationsystem

ResourcePlanning MTTI,UWA,UMMA,NEMA,andtheForestDepartmentundertakeplanningto protectanddeveloptheresources.Inparticular,UWAsparkmanagementplans andbusinessstrategyareimportantforresourceprotection.Enhancementofthis

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planning is essential for the future tourism development and distribution of benefits. Tourismplanningoutsideprotectedareaswillbedirectedtowardsfocaldistricts anddefinedtourismzones,throughthedesignationofTourismFocalPoints,the incorporation of tourism planning into district development plans, and the encouragementoflocaltourismassociations.Thefocaldistrictsandthetourism zonaldevelopmentframeworkaredefinedinAnnexIII.Supportforthisprocess willbeprovidedbyMTTI. ProductDevelopmentandMarketing

4.2.2

Ugandahasdifficultiesincompetingwiththemainstreamtourismproductsprovidedby Kenya,Tanzania,BotswanaandothercountriesinAfrica.Ugandashallthereforefocus on niche markets/special interest tourists and shall develop corresponding products demanded by these niche markets. Examples are: whitewater rafting, birdwatching, mountain climbing, nature and cultural walks, canoeing, and angling just to mention someoftheproducts.Specialconsiderationsshouldbegiventoecotourism,community tourismandculturaltourismproductsfocusingoncombiningnature,cultureandlocal communities. ArangeofproductsdevelopedonthebasisofUgandasuniqueendowmentwithnatural and cultural resources shall be developed, packaged and marketed. It is, however, essentialthatproductdevelopmentandmarketingarecloselylinkedunderonestrategic approachandwiththeprivatesectorasthekeydevelopmentforce.Allstakeholdersshall participatebutinparticularstronglinksshouldbeestablishedthroughtheinstitutional framework between the private sector, MTTI, UTB, UWA, UCOTA and the local districtstoenhancethefullandsustainableuseofthenaturalandculturalresources. ProductsandProductDevelopment Theprivatesectorshallbeprovidedwithmarketdataandstatisticsandshallbe providedwithfinancialincentivestodevelopnewtourismproductsaccordingto theproductdevelopmentstrategy. Local entrepreneurs at the community ordistrict level shall beencouraged to developtourismproductswithintheguidelinesprovidedbyMTTI. UWAshallimplementitsparkmanagementplansandbusinessstrategyandshall providealistofprojectstobeimplementedbytheprivatesector. Publicsectorinfrastructuresuchasroadsandupcountryairfieldsshallprovide improvedaccessibilitytokeytourismproductsandshallprovidethepossibilityto maketouristcircuits. Tourismproductdevelopmentshallbeparticularlyencouraged(inthefirstthree tofiveyears)inthefocaldistricts.

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MarketingandPromotion GenericmarketingshallfocusoncreatinganewpositiveimageaboutUgandaas atouristdestination. Aclearandfocusedmarketingstrategyshallbeproducedbasedoncombining marketresearchwithUgandasdevelopmentpotentialaccordingtotheresource base.Themarketingstrategyshallidentifyappropriatemarketingchannelsand shallincludeelectroniccommunicationwebsites. Finance of the generic marketing shall be provided through private sector contributionthroughaproposedmarketingandtraininglevy. GenericmarketingshallbeundertakenbyUTBinpartnershipbetweenthepublic and private sectors, spearheaded by funding made available from the tourism levy.TheprivatesectorrepresentedbyUgandaTourismAssociation(UTA)shall improveitscapabilitiesandshallestablishapromotionandmarketingfunction graduallytakingovertheresponsibilityformarketingandpromotionactivitiesof areconstitutedUgandaTouristBoard(UTB). ClosecollaborationshallbeestablishedwithUWAinrespectofmarketingof national parksandprotectedareas andclosecollaboration shallbeestablished withthedistrictstodevelopuniqueUgandanproductsatthedistrictlevel. UgandasforeignmissionsshallsupportUTBpromotionandmarketingefforts throughprovidinginformationtotouristsseekingvisastoUganda. UgandashallworkcloselywithintheEastAfricanCommunitytotakeadvanceof combiningavisittoUgandawithtraveltoKenyaandTanzania.Inthisrespect complementary products totheproducts offeredintheneighbouring countries shallbeprovidedandmarketedjointlywithintheCommunity.

MarketSegments Ugandashalldevelopadiversifiedmarketsegmentationstrategyaimingat(1) internationalnichemarkets,(2)mainstreamtouristsincludingmainstreamtourists to Tanzania and Kenya, (3) regional markets including South Africa and (4) domesticmarkets.Category3and4areconsideredmorerobustincaseofsafety problems. The diversified strategy is aiming at linking tourism products with market segments,tappingupper,middle,andlowerendsofthemarkets. Backpackersandoverlandersareoftenthetourismpioneerstonewareasand Ugandashallnotdiscouragethismarketsegment,inparticularasbackpackers constituteastrongsourceofincomeforwhitewaterrafting,gorillatrackingand communitytourism.

CommunityandEcotourism

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Grassroot developments and sustainable use of resources shall have a strong focus. To this effect NGOs shall be encouraged to work closely with communitiestodevelopnewprojectsaccordingtothemarketdevelopment. Through district planning, communities shall be sensitised to develop district tourismassociationsandcommunitiesshallbeencouragedtoappreciatethevalue ofnaturalandculturalresourcesfortourismdevelopment. Developersandinvestorsshallbesensitisedtorespecttherightsandtraditionsof localcommunities andlocalcommunities shallbedirectlyinvolvedindistrict tourismdevelopments. Theprivatetourismsectorshallthusbeencouragedtoundertakejointventure operationswithcommunities. UWA and Forest Department shall actively support communities in adjoining areastonationalparksandforestreservestodevelopecotourismprojects. Ecotourismandcommunitytourismshallinthefirststagefocusonthedomestic market but shall, when the quality level is acceptable, be incorporated in the tourismproductsmarketedinternationally. Community and ecotourism projects shall be encouraged to enhance cultural aspectsincludingpromotionofdevelopmentofhandicrafts.

DomesticTourism Domestictourismhasformedthefinancialbasisfortheoperationofthelodges and facilities during difficult periods. Strategically, the domestic market (UgandannationalsaswellasforeignnationalslivinginUganda)shallbefurther developedtoensureadomesticmarkettoformthebackboneofthedemandfor tourismfacilitiesandservices. GovernmentinitiatedcampaignsshouldbeintroducedforUgandannationalsto learn about their own culture and nature through having holidays in Uganda. ThereshouldbejointeffortsbetweenUWAandcivilsocietiessuchasUWEC andWCUtopromotevisitstonatureandculturalareas.

ProductQuality Productqualityshallbeenhancedthroughenforcedcodesofconductatthelevel oftourismassociations. Registration,categorisationandlicensingoftourismestablishmentswillbethe responsibilityofthedistricts. Notouristoperationshallbeallowedwithouta license.Districtswillprovidelicencingstatisticstothecentrallevelforevaluation andmarketingpurposes.Licensingshallbecompulsoryevenforcommunityor ecotourismprojectsincludingcampsites. Only establishments which are licensed, and which belong to the national umbrella association (e.g. the present UTA) can be officially promoted by Uganda.

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UgandashallsupporttheprinciplesofAgenda21fortheTravelandTourism Industry. The tourism industry shall follow the sustainability principles of Agenda21(Chapter2). AspecificUgandansustainablebrandingshallbedeveloped. Community tourism projects shall be encouraged to join Local Tourism Associations.Acodeofconductandqualitycriteriaforthecommunitytourism projectsneedtobeformulated.

4.2.3

SupportandCommunication

Ithasbeenfoundthatcommunicationonalllevelsincludingcommunicationfromthe localdistrictstothenationalcentreaswellasoverallstakeholdercollaborationwithinthe publicandprivatesectorsareinadequate.IftourisminUgandashalldevelop,itwillbe necessarytoestablishimprovedsupportandcommunicationlines. Thefollowingpolicyactionsareenvisaged: Government shall give full support to tourism by giving the sector a priority status. ThroughthedesignationofdistrictTourismFocalPointsandtheestablishmentof districttourismassociations,newcommunicationlinkswillbeforgedbetween districtsandtheMTTItofacilitatethedevelopmentoftourism. ThepresentTourismCoordinationCommitteechairedbyMTTIshallbegivena higherstatusandfocus. Membership, capabilities and effective participation of the private sector associationsshallbeenhanced. Close working relations (possibly through shared office facilities) shall be providedbetweenthetourismdepartmentoftheMinistryofTourism,Tradeand Industry,UTA,UTBandUWAstourismdepartment. DevelopmentFramework

4.2.4

The establishment of an enabling environment for tourism development is a key precondition for a successful development. The enabling development framework consists of several key issues such as infrastructure, transport, finance, investment, education,awareness,statisticsandlegislation.Thefinancialsupporttothedevelopment ofanenablingtourismdevelopmentframeworkisfoundtoplayacentralrole. InfrastructureandTransport Accessibilitytotourismareasandtourismproductsiscrucial.Consequently,the provisionofinfrastructurebyroads,waterandairisanimportantcomponentof 14

the tourism development strategy. In infrastructure and transport planning, Governmentwillgivedueprioritytotheparticularneedsofthetourismsector. Tourismdevelopmentneedsshalllikewisebeincorporatedintodistrictinfrastructureand transportplans. Theproposedtourismzonalplansshalldefineprioritytransportandinfrastructure projects. Licensingoftransportroutestoandfromnationalparksandprotectedareasshall haveapriorityinordertopromotedomestictourism.

FinanceandInvestment Focaldistrictsandmunicipalities,intheFoundationPhase(seeSection6),shall be provided with support for designated Tourism Focal Points and undertake initialtourismactivities. VATshallbezeroratedontourismasanexportindustry.Insteadatourismlevy shallbeintroduced,asalreadystipulatedintheUTBstatute.Thislevywillform thekeyfundingfortourismmarketingandtrainingactivities. Tourismshallbegivensupporttoobtaindevelopmentloansatreducedratesfrom FinancialInstitutions. Import of certain items such as solar energy equipment, radios for safety purposes,touristvehicles,anditemsneededforfulfillingAgenda21(Chapter3) requirementsshallbegivenanimportdutyfreestatus. SupportavailabilityofmicrofinanceandSMEprojectsfortourismprojectsatthe districtlevel. Promotetourismasaprioritysectorfordevelopmentandprovideinformation abouttourism investment opportunities todomestic andinternational investors and developers. Uganda Investment Authority shall work closely with MTTI, UTB,UWAandtheprivatesectortopromotetourisminvestmentswithparticular emphasisonproductdevelopment. Government shall actively support a concession policy where beneficiary concessions are granted for entrepreneurs and developers to undertake developmentofnaturalandculturalresourcesjointlywithUWAorwithlocal communities. Theconcessionagreementsmustbecarefullymadeouttoavoid exploitation of the resources. Agreements must give emphasis to local communityinvolvementandpovertyreduction.

EducationandAwareness TheTourismPolicydocumentshallbewidelydistributed.

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Tourism shall be incorporated into the National Curriculum (part of Human Geography)andschoolsshallusetheTourismDayforspecialactivitiesrelatedto tourism.Schoolsshallundertakeexcursionstonationalparks,UWECandcultural sites. UWEC,UWA,WCUandanyotherrelevantorganisationshallbeprovidedwith supporttointerlinkwildlifeeducationwithtourismissues. Aseriesoffocusgroupseminarsshallbeconductedatthenationalandlocallevel toprovideawarenessabouttourismandthenewtourismpolicy. The press shall be provided with information about tourism and media (newspapers,radioandtelevision)shallbeprovidedwithinformationtoestablish awidepubliccoverageonthenationalaswellasthelocalleveloftourism. TheParliamentshallbekeptuptodateonnewdevelopmentsintourism.

Statistics Appropriatestatisticalinformationshallbecollected,processedandmadepublic fortheuseofthetourismindustryaswellaspotentialinvestors.Thisinformation willbeusedto,interalia,identifytheeconomicimpactoftourism. Statisticalinformationshallincludevisitorarrivals,tourismindustryoccupancy ratesandvisitorstonationalparksandprotectedareas.Thesestatisticsshallbe usedfortourismplanning,promotionofinvestments andforprovidingpublic awarenesscreationinrespectofthedevelopmentoftheindustryanditseconomic andemploymenteffect. UgandaStatisticalBureaushallworkcloselywiththeDepartmentofImmigration to provide UTB and MTTI with reliable tourist arrival data for analysis and dissemination. Theprivatesectorshallprovideinputonutilisationofthetourismplantandother relevantinformationforprocessingbyUTB. UgandawilldevelopaTourismSatellite Account(TSA)toassistgovernment officials,businessexecutivesandindividualcitizenstomakeinformedchoices.

Facilitation TheTourismCoordinationCommitteeshallensureahighdegreeoftourist facilitationsatarrivalpoints. TourisminformationCentreshallbewidelyprovidedatmajoraccommodation facilitiesaswellasatstrategicentryandtouristpointse.g.Entebbeairport,UTB etc. Banksandtouristfacilitiesandservicesshallbeencouragedtoacceptrecognized internationalcreditcardsandTravellersChequesasameansofpaymentinmajor townsandtourismcentres.

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LegalFramework ATourismActshallbepromulgated.ThisActshallensurethenecessarylegal frameworktoimplementtheTourismPolicy. TourismislinkedtoseveralActsandthenecessaryamendmentsshouldbemade tostreamlinetheexistinglegislationandregulationstomakethemtransparentand enforceable.ThisstreamliningshouldincludeamongotherstheHotelAct,the UTBStatute, theStatute forthe Hotel andTraining Institute, and theTourist Agency Licensing Act, the Traditional Rulers Act, Historic Monuments Act, PublicHealthActetc. RegionalandInternationalCooperation

4.2.5

UgandaisamemberoftheEastAfricanCommunity.UndertheCommunity,statistics, registrationandgradingofhotels,marketingandpromotioneffortswillbeharmonized amongstmemberstates.Theaimistofacilitatetheflowoftouristswithintheregionand topromoteEastAfricaasasingletouristdestination. Thefollowingpolicyactionsareenvisaged: Ugandashallsupportstepstofacilitatetheflowoftouristswithintheregion. UgandashallsupportthejointmarketingofEastAfricaasasingledestinationat thesametimeasprofilingitselfasauniquedestinationwithintheregion. Ugandashallsupportjointregionalstepstoimprovetheavailabilityofstatistics andtoimprovethequalitylevelofproductsofferedwithintheregion. Tourisms private sectorshall make contacts withsimilar organisations in the region and shall develop joint products and marketing efforts benefiting the regionandUganda. UgandawillforgelinkswithherneighborstopromotetheconservationofTrans BoundaryEcosystems. IMPLEMENTATIONSTRATEGYANDSTAKEHOLDERROLES Introduction

5. 5.1

The outlined tourismpolicy isimplementation oriented. Itisbasedonanumberof changesandfocuses,whichcanberelativelyeasilyimplemented. Themajorissuesof theimplementationstrategyareasfollows: Increasesafetyandsecuritymeasures Improve the image of Uganda through a series of promotion and marketingactions.

17

Introduce new and tailormade organisational structures to provide an appropriatedevelopmentframework. Providefinancial supportthroughGovernment/Ministry ofFinance and EconomicDevelopmentandtheprivatesector(tourismlevy). SolicitsupportfromdonorsandNGOstofacilitatetheimplementationof theproposedwayahead.

5.2 5.2.1

PublicSectorRoleandOrganisationalStructure Role

CentralGovernment . FullysupportthedevelopmentoftourisminUganda,andtheimplementationof theTourismPolicy. PrepareandwidelydistributetheTourismPolicyPaper. Provide a general enabling and regulative framework through legislation and throughpolicyformulation. OutlineandimplementtheTourismAct JointlywiththeLocalGovernment,providesafetyandsecurityofresidentsandof visitors. Particularattentionwillbepaidtoimprovingsecurityinandaround national parks and protected areas. In this respect undertake coordination betweenthepublicandprivatesectortoensurethatoptimalandadequatesafety andsecuritymeasuresareintroduced. Provideadequatefinancialfiscalsupportforthetourismdevelopmentasoutlined inSection4ofthepolicydocument. Providesupporttotheenvironmentalprotectionanddevelopmentasstipulatedin Section4ofthePolicyDocument. Provide support for decentralisation of tourism activities to the district and municipalitylevel. EnhancetourismplanningattheDistrictandtheZonelevel. UndertakecoordinationbetweenvariousGovernmentDepartmentsandagencies inrespectoftourismdevelopmentissuesatahighlevel. Ensure tourism to be a priority sector with priority backing within relevant ministries including Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and MinistryofWorksandCommunications. Introducetourismintotheschoolcurricula. Jointlyworkwiththeprivatesectortoenhancetourismtrainingandeducationin UgandaincludingsupporttothenewlyestablishedNationalHotel,Tourismand CateringTrainingCommittee. Considerthecreationofanewministerialsetuplinkingtourismtoenvironment andnaturalresources. 18

Formulate aproactiveconcessionpolicywithinandoutsideprotectedareasto enhanceinvestmentsinthesectorandtoincludethispolicyintheTourismAct.

LocalGovernment Designate Tourism Focal Points in key districts to initiate local tourism coordination and establish links with the central administration and central tourismbodies. Initiatelocalstakeholdercollaborationandsupportprivatesectorinitiatives. Undertakeregistrationwithincategoriesandlicensingoftourismestablishments atthelocallevel. Establish tourism development links to the central administration and private sectorbodiesandinitiatelocalcoordination. Supporttheprotectionofdistrictlevelnaturalandculturalresourcesasthebasis fortourismdevelopment. Giveprioritytoinfrastructuraldevelopmentinrelationtotourismdevelopment areasandprovideroadsignage.

5.2.2

OrganisationalStructure

MinistryofTourism ToreorganisethetourismdepartmentoftheMTTIprovidingamoreprominent andconduciveroletotourismdevelopment.TheorganisationalchangesofMTTI shallbehighlightedintheproposedTourismAct. To reorganise the functions of the MTTI's tourism department to cover the following issues (1) licensing statistics, (2) tourism planning, (3) policy formulation,(4)internationalcollaboration. Ensurethatthestatisticalandmanagementinformationsystemisfullyintroduced through collaboration with Uganda Bureau of Statistics and with UTB to undertake the analysis, processing and distribution of the information to the marketandtheconsumers. Marketingandpromotionfunctionsshallgraduallybetakenoverbytheprivate sectorinlinewiththeproposedreconstitutedUTB. EnsuretheGlobalCodeofethicsfortourismisimplementedasaguidetotourism development.

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LocalGovernment 5.3 Include the position of District Tourism Focal Point in the organizational structure. Provide specific district tourism plans including identification of cultural and naturalresourcesforprotectionandpossibledevelopment. Provide an internal tourism committee between the commercial, the environmentalandthetourismfocalpointaswellasanexternaldevelopment committeebetweentheprivateandpublicsectorsintheindividualdistricts. Initiatethecompilationofdistricttourismstatistics. PrivateSectorRoleandOrganisationalStructure

Theprivatesectorshallplayaleadingroleinfuturetourismdevelopment.Forthesector to undertake this task it is essential that the sector develop a strong organisational structure with the participation of all major tourism stakeholders and that the sector improvesitsprofessionalismandgeneralcapabilities.Theprivatesectorwillundertake the necessary investments and will ensure, through competition, that the sector is financiallyviable.Theprivatesectorwillalsohaveasocialobligationasitwillensure thattourismwillbeamajorcontributortopovertyalleviationandthesectorwillalso ensureasustainabledevelopmentincludinginvolvinglocalcommunitiesinthetourism development. Institutional Theprivatesectorshalldevelopastronginstitutionalframeworkwithahighlevel of membership participation, payment of membership fees and support to an umbrellatourismassociation.ThisassociationistheUgandaTouristAssociation (UTA). Through the proposed private sector funding mechanism (tourism levy), UTA shall establish a staffed office linked to the present marketing and promotion functionsundertakenbyUTB. CloseworkingrelationsandcollaborationshallbeestablishedwithMTTI,UTB, Districts(LocalGovernmentandlocaltourismassociations)andUWAinrespect oftourismproductdevelopment,tourismplanningandprotectionofnaturaland culturalresources,andwithUIAforinvestmentdevelopment. UTA shall provide support to its members in order to improve the level of professionalismintheindustry.

HumanResources

20

Undertake a leading role in tourism training with direct involvement of the operationoftheHotelandTourismTrainingInstituteinJinja. Provide good working conditions for the staff and ensure a system of staff trainingandskillsupgrading. Providesupporttocommunitytourismdevelopmentthroughprovidingknowhow andskillsdevelopmenttocommunityprojects.

ProductQuality CodesofconductshallbeintroducedforallmembersofUTA. Accommodationandothertourismfacilitiesshalldevelopagreenprofileaiming atsustainabletourismdevelopment.InthelongerrunanAgenda21approachto thetourismindustryoperationsshallbeintroduced. Developavoluntarygradingsystemforaccommodationfacilitiesincollaboration withthecentralandlocalgovernments. Provide full support to the registration and licensing system.

LocalDevelopment Workwithlocalcommunitiesandcommunityassociationstodevelopcommunity basedtourismprojectswiththepossibilityofprovidingpartnershipbetweenthe tourism industry and local communities to ensure product quality and internationalsales. Workwithdistrictstodevelopnewandsustainabletourroutes/circuitsandnew tourismproductssupportinglocalprotectionanddevelopmentactivities.

ProtectionofEnvironment Activeparticipationinprotectionoftheenvironmentandfocusonsustainable tourismactivities. Support the work of community projects initiatives through relevant organizations. SupporttheprotectionoftheenvironmentbyUWA,ForestDepartment,NEMA andothergovernmentagencies

MarketingandPromotion ProvidenecessarystatisticalinformationtoUTBandMTTItoundertakeaproper tourismstatisticsandtourismmanagementinformationsystem. Provide generic marketing, through financial support provided by a tourism marketingandtraininglevy.Thegenericmarketingshallbeundertakenjointly with the government sector within the frame of a reconstituted UTB. The reconstitutedUTBspearheadedbytheprivatesectorshallundertakethefollowing

21

functions:marketingandpromotiontothedomesticandinternationalmarkets, touristinformation,supporttotheinternationaltraveltradeandjournalistsand tourismtravelwritersvisitingUganda. UndertakemarketingandpromotioncoordinationwithUWAincludingspecific jointmarketingandpromotionactivities. Undertake marketing and promotion coordination including joint promotion activitieswithindividualprivatesectoroperators. TheRoleofDevelopmentPartners

5.4

DevelopmentpartnershaveplayedaverysignificantroleinsupportingtheGovernments policyonthetourismandwildlifesector.StrongsupporttotheMinistryofTourism, TradeandIndustryhasbeenprovidedthroughtheWorldBank,EU,GermanGovernment (e.g. GTZ)andUSAIDamongothers. This supporthassustainedtheGovernments policyonprotectionofnaturalresources,andhasassistedinthedevelopmentoftourism byUTBandMTTI. However,itisenvisagedthatfuturesupportwillfocusontheprivatesectorandonthe districtstoprotectanddeveloptheirnaturalandculturalresources.ThroughGovernment initiativesoverthenext45years,andwiththesupportofdevelopmentpartners,the TourismPolicywillbringtheprivatesectorintotheleadpositionindevelopingtourism asamajorsectoroftheeconomy. Thefollowingactivitiesareanticipated: SupporttorestructuringandenhancingthetourismfunctionsofMTTI. FurthersupporttoUWAfortheorganisationtoimplementitsbusinessplanand enhanceitsorganizationaswellasthefieldoperations.UWAjointlywiththe private sector should take the lead role in the tourism product development strategybasedonresourceswithinnationalparksandprotectedareas. Supporttoinstitutionalcapacitybuildingintheprivatesectorforittoundertake itsleadroleintourismdevelopment Supporttothedecentralisation processprovidingassistance todistrict tourism development.Thissupportincludesdevelopmentoftourismplansatthedistrict andzonelevel aswellas trainingoftourismfocalpoints inthedistricts and supporttodistricttourismassociations.Theaimistocreateinstitutionalcapacity buildingatthedistrictlevel. Supportto community participation intourism development including cultural issuestoformpartofthetourismproducts. DevelopatourismmarketingandpromotionstrategyforUgandawhichwillmake tourismmarketleddirectlylinkedtotheproducts.Thegenericmarketingeffort shallbefocusingonimageimprovementforUganda. SupportthedevelopmentofagreentourismprofileforUganda.

22

 5.5

Supporttoanewtrainingstrategy,whichshallbeprivatesectordriven,focusing ontheparticularneedsofthetourismsectorcomingoutoftheimplementationof theTourismPolicy. OverallsupporttotheimplementationofthenewTourismPolicy. TheRoleofNonGovernmentalOrganizations(NGOs)

NGOs have been a major factor in supporting community and cultural tourism development,protectionofthenaturalresource;environmentalawarenessandgeneral supportforsustainabledevelopmenthavebeenthefocusofmanyinitiativesbyNGOs. NGOs often work at the grass root level and NGOs can strongly contribute to the developmentofsustainabletourismandprotectionofthenaturalandculturalresources forfuturedevelopment. Thepresentstatusofthetourismsectorhaslargelybeenpossiblethroughsupportfrom Donors and NGOs. Tourism has been donor and NGO led more than led by a comprehensivetourismdevelopmentpolicyandstrategy. NGOsshallsupporttheoverallpolicyideasincludedinthenewtourismpolicy. Contributetotheimplementationofthestrategiesandactionplanscomingoutof thenewpolicy.InthisrespectNGOsshallparticipateinajointimplementation strategywithotherstakeholders. Continue to provide assistance to community based tourism projects and to protectionoftheenvironmentincludingawarenesscreation. Enhance assistance to community tourism development and provide technical skillsandknowhowtothecommunitiesensuringtheproductquality. NGOs shall also support the linking of community projects with tourism industry operatorsinordertogetprojectsincludedintheinternationalmarketingandsales whentheproductshavereachedasufficientqualitylevel. OVERALLSTRATEGICAPPROACH

6.

TimingandPhasing The Tourism Policy will be implemented in two stages. The first stage named "FoundationPhase"willcommenceimmediatelyaftertheApprovalofTourismPolicy. TheFoundationPhasewillrunuptoyear2006.Itwillthenbefollowedbythe"Takeoff Phase", to cover a period from 2006 to 2015. The final timing of this phase will, however,bestronglydependentuponthesuccessofthefirstphase. (TheimplementationofthePolicyisexpectedtobetailoredtoavailabledonorfunding in the period20022006. Activities supportingthepolicywillbefinancedthrough anticipateddonorsupporttothesector.Followingthisperiodofdonorsupport,itis 23

expectedthattheinstitutionalstructuresinthepublicandprivatesectorswillhave developedtotheextentthattheywillbelargelyindustryfinanced.) SteeringCommitteefortheImplementation ASteeringCommitteetooverseeandcoordinatetheimplementationprocessshouldbe formed. All stakeholders shall support the work of the Committee. This Steering Committee will furthermore ensure that all stakeholders work together towards a common taskofenhancing theprotection ofnatural andcultural resources using the resourcesforasustainableandstrongtourismdevelopment. ItisproposedthattheSteeringCommitteeshouldhaveacompositioncomparabletothe SteeringCommitteeforthepolicyformulationprocessbutthattheCommitteeshould havestrongerprivatesectorparticipation. StrategicPrinciples Thenewwayaheaddescribedinthetourismpolicydocumentbuildsonthefollowing keyprinciples: Mobilisationandparticipationofstakeholders. Capacitybuildingfortheprivatesectorenablingthesectortotakealeadrole. Formationoflinkagesbetweenprivateandpublicsectorsonalllevels. Formationoflinkagesbetweenthedistrictsandthenationalcentre. Introductionofabottomupprinciplewithsupporttodevelopmentsatdistrict levelandwithfocusoncommunitybasedtourismdevelopment. Focusonsustainabledevelopmentforminglinksbetweentheparksandthe surroundingdistricts/communitiesandfocusonprotectionofnaturalandcultural resourcesinthedistrictsaimingatpresentandfuturetourismdevelopment throughasensitisationprocess.

Interventions/Instruments Theimplementationofthesestrategicprincipleswillneedasetofinterventions.The proposeddevelopmentwillnottakeplacebyitselfandthemarketcannotonlydriveit. Thekeyinstrumenttointroducetheseprincipleswillbethezonalplanningprocesswhere keydistrictsanddistrictclustersundergoaplanning,sensitisationanddevelopment processbasedoninterlinkedzoneplans.Touristsdonotappreciateofficialboundaries. Touriststhinkandreactaccordingtonaturalareatobecoveredduringavisit.Area/zone plansareconsequentlyhighlyimportant.InUgandasuchplansshouldcover: Trainingofdistricttourismfocalpointsinkeydistricts. Sensitisationofdistrictsandcommunitiesinrespectoftourismdevelopmentand protectionofculturalandnaturalresources. 24

Definitionofprioritytourismprojectsofimportancefordistrictandnational tourismdevelopment. Definitionoftheprofileoftheseprojectsfordistrict,nationalorinternational finance. Formationofdistricttourismassociations. TrainMTTItourismplannersandformlinksbetweendistrictsandMTTI/UTB. Definepriorityinfrastructuralprojectstobeincludedindistrictandnational planning. Supportsecuritymeasuresonanareabasis.

ThetwomapspresentedinAnnexIIIidentifythefocaldistrictsaswellastourism developmentareas/zones.Thezoneboundariesgivenatthemapareoflimited significance.Itisthedevelopmentapproach,whichisessential.

25

ANNEXI:

TOURISMDEFINITIONS/STATISTICS

Visitor: Apersontravellingtoacountryotherthanthecountryinwhichhe/shehasusualresidencefora periodnotexceedingoneyearwithoutseekingworkinthecountryvisited. Visitorsaredividedinto: Dayvisitors: Tourists: Stayinginthecountryvisitedlessthan24hours Stayinginthecountrymorethan24hours(atleastoneovernightstay)

Touristsaredividedintocategoriesaccordingtothetravelpurpose: Pleasureorholidaytourists Businessandofficialtravellers. Participantsinconferences,workshopsormeetings. Visitingfriendsandrelatives.

Justtomentionsomeofthetypicalreasonsfortravelling.Categoriescanthenbefurthersubdivided.For instancetouristscanbedividedintogroupandindividualtourists.Tourismcanalsobedividedaccording totypeofproductse.g.ecotourism(tourismwhichisaimingofsustainableuseofnaturalresourcesand communitysupportandinvolvement),communitytourism(tourismbasedoncommunitydevelopmentand operationoftheproduct)andagrotourism(tourismfocusingonagricultural activitiessuchas general farmingpractice,teaorcoffeeestatesorotheragriculturalactivities). Differentvisitorshavedifferentcharacteristics(lengthofstay,expenditurepattern,needforfacilitiesand services).Inordertoestimatefuturetourismdevelopmentitisnecessarytoestimatetheexpectedfuture developmentpatternforkeyvisitorcategories. InUgandareliableandadequatetourismstatisticshavenotbeenavailableforthelast10years.Even,for theyear2000wheremorereliablestatisticshavebeenprocessedthroughdonorassistance,thefiguresare dubious.Theyear2000figuresthusshow: TouristArrivalstoUgandainyear2000 TouristCategory AllBorderStationsArrivalsEntebbeAirport No.% No.% 000 000 22.112 11.515 42.722 23.830 12.36 7.710 114.960 35.545 192.0100 78.5100

HolidayTravellers Business&Off. VFR Others/undistributed Total Onlyfewofthetouristsvisitnationalparksandprotectedareasasillustratedbelow: VisitorstoUWAmanagedNationalParksinyear2001 ForeignNonResidents 000 14.6(33%) ForeignResidents 000 10.9(24%) UgandanCitizens 000 19.3(43%)

Total 000 44.8(100%)

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ANNEXII:UGANDAASANUNIQUETOURISMDESTINATION Ugandahasanextraordinaryvarietyoflandscapes,fromaridsavannastoswamps,lakes,tropical forests and high mountains. Its unique topography in the west is derived from great earth movementsthat,overaquarterofamillionyears,havefaultedtheearth'scrusttocreatethe AlbertineriftvalleyandRwenzoriMountains.Furthermore,withinthelastfewthousandyears, therehasbeenintensevolcanicactivity,creatingMtElgonintheeast,theVirungasinthesouth westandthecraterlandsaroundFortPortalandKasese. Overthelast20,000years,climatechangeassociatedwiththeglacialandinterglacialperiodshas resultedinalternatingwetanddryperiods;greatforestshaveturnedtosavanna,andthenreverted backtoforestsagain.Duringthesavannaphase,forestspeciesfoundthemselvesconfinedto smallerpatches,whilstthefollowingforestexpansion'captured'savannaanimals.Inthisprocess, forestsintheAlbertineRiftinUgandahavebecomekeyrefugesforahugediversityofforest animalsandplants.Theseforestsarefamousfortheirmanyregionallyendemicbirdandprimate speciesincludingthehighlyendangeredmountaingorilla. Uganda is at crossroads of vegetation types that take separate forms in central, eastern and southernAfrica. Here,the Acacia woodlandsoftheeastmeettheforestsofthewest;forest speciesminglewithsavannaspecies,furtherincreasingthediversityoflife.Andtherearesome extraordinarybiologicalparadoxes;giraffesarenotfoundsouthoftheNileinMurchisonFalls National Park; zebra, found in Lake Mburo, have never been recorded in Queen Elizabeth NationalParkjustashortdistancetothewest. Thecombinedeffectsofgeologicalandclimatichistoryhavethuscreatedacountryofgreat diversity and natural beauty, where the tourist interested in wildlife and scenery will be captivated. Theseattractionsmaybeviewedtoevengreatereffectfromthemanylakesand waterways,fromLakeEdwardintheEast,toLakeVictoria,whichdominatessouthernUganda. Inthewetlandthevisitorswillbeabletoobservetherareshoebill.AndUgandaisthesourceof theNile,animmenseriverwindingthroughfarmland,forestandsavannafromsouthtonorthof UgandaendingitsjourneyinEgyptandtheMediterraneanSea. ThepeopleofUgandaareasdiverseasitslandscapes.Excavationsinvariouspartsofthecountry havediscoveredarichironagecultureflourishingalongtheriverbanksandlakesides. More recently,overthepastfewhundredyears,greatethnicmigrationshaveresultedinauniquemix ofculturesandtraditions,fromtheKaramajongpastoralistsintheeast,totheBakonjopeopleof the Rwenzoris in the west. Diverse systems of government have evolved, the north being dominatedbythechiefdoms,andthesouthbyKingdoms.Manyculturaltraditions,monuments andrelicsmaybeexplored,rangingfromthetombsoftheKabaka(aWorldHeritagesite),tothe routesandmeetingplacesoftheearlyexplorersEminPasha,BakerandSpeke. Overthelast40years,UgandahasestablishedanetworkofNationalParksandWildlifeReserves toprotectitswildlifeandspeciallandscapes,coveringover10%ofthecountry.Thevisitorhasa wide range of opportunities, from game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls NationalParkstogorillaviewinginBwindi(aWorldHeritagesite)andmountainclimbinginthe Rwenzoris(tobecomeaWorldHeritagesite).Fishingsafarisareincreasinglypopular,andmore extensivewalkingsafariswillsoonbeavailableinthesavannaparks. Awayfromthewildlife

27

areas,whitewaterisincreasinglypopularontheNileatJinja,andculturaltourismwillbenefit fromnewinitiativestoprotectimportanthistoricalmonumentsandculturalsites.

ANNEXIIIA:FOCALDISTRICTSFORTOURISMDEVELOPMENT

Y um be

M oyo K i tg u m A d ju m a n i

K o tid o

A ru a G u lu

Pader

N ebbi L ira Apac M a s in d i K a b e r a m a id o S o ro ti Kum i N a k a s o n g o la K a m u li P a ll is a K a ta k w i

M o r o to

N a k a p ir ip i r i t i

H o im a

K a p c h o rw a S iro n k o

B u n d ib u g y o K i b a le K a b a r o le

K ib o g a L u w e ro

Kayunga

M b a le Ig a n g a J in ja T o ro ro B u g ir i

K y e n jo jo M ubende

B u s ia

Kasese

Kam wenge M p ig i S e m b a b u le

K a m p a la

M ukono M ayuge M asaka B ushenyi M b a ra ra K a l a n g a la R u k u n g iri Kanungu N tu n g a m o R akai

K is o ro

K a b a le

F o c a lT o u ris m D is t r ic t D is t r ic t f o r f u t u r e t o u r is m d e v e lo p m e n t

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IIIB:TOURISMZONEAPPROACH

M oyo Y um be K it g u m

A d ju m a n i

K o t id o

A ru a

P ader

NORTH
N ebbi

G u lu

M o ro to

L ir a A pac
M Ma sainsd i in

K a ta k w i

di K a b e r a m a id o S o ro ti

EAST
K um i

N a k a p ir i p i r it i

H o im a N a k a s o n g o la

K a p c h o rw a S ir o n k o

B u n d ib u g y o K ib a l e K a b a r o le

K ib o g a L u w e ro

K ayunga

K a m u li

P a l li s a

M bb aa l e e l
Ig a n g a J i n ja T o ro ro

K y e n j o jo

CENTRAL
M ubende M p ig i S e m b a b u le

B u g ir i

B u s ia

K asese
K a sese

K am w enge

K a m pp aal ala

W EST
B ushenyi M b a ra ra

M ukono M ayuge M asaka

K a l laa nn g ga alala
R u k u n g ir i
K a nau n gu un K n

R akai N tu n g a m o

gu

K Ki s ios r o o

ro

K a b a le

8 0 k m

SOUTH W EST

29

ANNEXIV: ACT AUTO EIA EU GDP GTZ LG MTTI MFED NEMA NFA NGO UCOTA UIA UMMA UTA UTB UWA UWEC WCU WPASP

ABBREVIATIONS

ActionforConservationthroughTourism AssociationofUgandaTourOperators EnvironmentalImpactAssessment EuropeanUnion GrossDomesticProduct DeutscheGesellschaftfurTechnischeZusammenarbeit LocalGovernment MinistryofTourism,TradeandIndustry MinistryofFinanceandEconomicDevelopment NationalEnvironmentManagementAuthority NationalForestryAuthority NonGovernmentalOrganisation UgandaCommunityTourismAssociation UgandaInvestmentAuthority UgandaMuseumsandMonumentsAgency UgandaTourismAssociation UgandaTourismBoard UgandaWildlifeAuthority UgandaWildlifeEducationCentre WildlifeClubsofUganda WildlifeProtectedAreaSystemPlan

30