The Corona Virus pandemic has greatly shattered the Tourism industry and global Travel in 2020 . For the last 6 months, tourism and travel have been brought to a standstill with global connectivity close to impossible due to border closures and lockdowns imposed by different countries to contain the spread of the virus.
However , with the easing of lockdowns and a resurgence of air travel, tourism is set to see a rebound in 2021 and a Visit to Uganda in 2021 should be on your bucket list.
Why Visit Uganda in 2021?
1.Uganda is safe for Tourists & Travel.
Uganda has been recognized and credited globally as one of the few countries that has successfully contained the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organisation( WHO) recently ranked Uganda among the top countries in the world that have successfully contained this virus and thanks to the Government of Uganda’s relentless efforts. The World Tourism & Travel Council( WTTC) also awarded Uganda a Safe Travel Stamp in recognition of the Standard Operating Proceedures ( SOPs) that have been put in place by Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities to ensure safety of all tourists visiting the country. The African Tourism Board also awarded the Uganda Tourism Board( UTB) with a Safer Tourism Seal as a vote of confidence in Uganda as a safe tourist destination post COVID-19. Therefore with such a strong record, Uganda is definitely a destination that should make it to your bucket list in 2021.
2. Uganda is a country Gifted by Nature.
Uganda is a country that is blessed with natural beauty. Right from the Entebbe International Airport as you take your decent, you can’t fail but notice the beautiful airport run-ways adjacent to the magnificent Lake Victoria waters and the beautiful little islands therein. Uganda is home to the source of the world’s longest river, the R. Nile that starts its journey in Jinja city, Uganda and heads north to Egypt. Uganda is home more than half of the few remaining mountain gorillas of the world. Uganda is blessed with over 1,050 bird species and ranked one of the world’s best birding destinations. Uganda is also home to the highest mountain ranges in Africa, the Mt. Rwenzori, popularly referred to as the “mountains of the moon”. Uganda also boasts of the African BIG 5 in its 10 national parks and game reserves. Uganda also lies astride the Equator and therefore enjoys a warm equatorial climate all throughout the year. Uganda is a cultural gem with over 54 different tribes but living in harmony and peace with each other. Uganda, “The Pearl of Africa” as was referred to by Winston Churchill, is and shall remain a must visit tourist destination in 2021.
3. Uganda is the friendliest country on Earth.
Uganda was recently ranked as the friendliest country on planet Earth by the BBC. Every Tourist would love to visit a country that makes them feel at home and at peace, there’s something about Uganda’s people that gives you just that. Whether it’s the airport taxi driver, the waiter in the restaurant, the stranger in the lift, the local tour guide, the local communities, the local police authorities, name it, you will be received with a genuine smile and a friendly attitude. No wonder, most tourists have returned to Uganda to set up hotels, lodges and lots of other investments largely because they felt welcome in this little East African nation. International Diplomats and other expatriates have established permanent residences in Uganda because of the friendly cultures and warmth of the Ugandan people. Every tourist would love to feel welcome, and this is what makes Uganda special and a must visit destination for 2021.
By Eddy Kirya. (Msc. Tourism & Hospitality Management – MUK)
The Writer is a Tours Consultant, blogger and Managing Director at Travel 256 .