While the numbers may be modest, Dr. Gessa Simplicious, head of public relations for the Uganda Tourism Board, says that the Canadian market is an important one for Uganda’s tourism industry. In conversation with Baxter Media’s publisher, Mitchell McClung, he explained that: “Canadian travellers are significant because they represent a high-value segment that contributes meaningfully to tourism growth and promotion.” Read on for the full story.
How important is Canada as a source market for Uganda, and what trends are you seeing in Canadian visitation?
Canada is an important source market for Uganda, forming part of the broader North American market. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the number of visitors from Canada ranges between 3,000 and 7,000 annually.
While the numbers may seem modest, Canadian travellers are significant because they represent a high-value segment that contributes meaningfully to tourism growth and promotion.
What unique experiences do you think Canadian travel advisors should focus on when selling Uganda to their clients?
Canadian travel advisors should focus on Uganda as a sustainable tourism destination. Key experiences include primate encounters such as gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, immersive cultural experiences, adventure activities, and local gastronomy that reflects Uganda’s rich heritage.
Highlighting these authentic experiences demonstrates the country’s unique offerings and sustainable tourism initiatives, which appeal strongly to Canadian travellers seeking responsible and memorable travel experiences.
“Canada is an important source market for Uganda, forming part of the broader North American market. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the number of visitors from Canada ranges between 3,000 and 7,000 annually. While the numbers may seem modest, Canadian travellers are significant because they represent a high-value segment that contributes meaningfully to tourism growth and promotion.”
–Dr. Gessa Simplicious, head of public relations for the Uganda Tourism Board
Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa.” How do gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural tourism shape your country’s appeal compared to other African destinations?
Uganda’s appeal is strongly linked to its sustainability efforts. Gorilla populations have increased to approximately more than 50% of the world’s total, while rhinos have grown from six to 48 individuals, reflecting successful conservation programs. These achievements, alongside our rich wildlife safaris and cultural tourism experiences, set Uganda apart as a sustainable and responsible destination. Visitors experience not only remarkable biodiversity but also the assurance that their tourism supports conservation and community development. 20% of the park entrance fees paid by tourism to access activities in a protected area go back to communities to have sustainable tourism initiatives to support them.
What updates can you share about air connectivity from Canada or North America, and how easy is it for Canadian travellers to reach Uganda?
Uganda is accessible from Canada through several international carriers with code-sharing agreements. Canadian travellers can fly via major hubs such as Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways, connecting onward to Entebbe. Other airlines serving Uganda include Turkish Airlines, KLM, and Brussels Airlines. Uganda Airlines has a direct connection to Entebbe through Gatwick – UK, Dubai. These networks make travel from Canada relatively seamless, allowing visitors to reach Uganda efficiently, while enjoying reliable connections.
How is the Uganda Tourism Board working with Canadian tour operators and travel advisors to strengthen awareness and sales?
UTB collaborates with the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and participates in events like the Vancouver International Tourism Expo. These engagements help create awareness of Uganda as a destination and strengthen partnerships with Canadian travel advisors. The Ugandan Embassy in Canada also supports economic and commercial diplomacy initiatives, facilitating ongoing interaction and collaboration with tour operators to enhance destination marketing and drive sales.
Sustainability is top of mind for many travellers, how is Uganda ensuring that tourism growth supports conservation and local communities?
Uganda has implemented numerous sustainable tourism initiatives. For example, gorilla populations now represent more than half of the world’s total, and rhinos have grown from six to 48. These achievements reflect dedicated conservation efforts that are intertwined with tourism growth. Cultural experiences are also promoted as sustainable products, ensuring heritage and community engagement remain integral to tourism. Collectively, these initiatives ensure that tourism growth benefits both biodiversity conservation and local communities.
This year you’re participating in the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE). What are your key objectives at the show, and what message are you hoping to share with the Canadian travel trade?
The key objective is to promote Uganda, along with the wider East African Community, as one seamless and interconnected destination. The message to the Canadian travel trade is that Uganda is a complementary, not competitive, destination. UTB encourages the development of regional itineraries where travellers can enjoy some days in Uganda alongside visits to other East African countries, thereby enhancing the overall appeal and offering more diverse travel options for clients.
Looking ahead, how will events like MKTE, along with roadshows and advisor training, help Uganda build stronger ties with the Canadian travel trade?
Events like MKTE, roadshows, and travel advisor training programs enable UTB to engage directly with hosted buyers and travel advisors from Canada. These interactions build stronger professional ties, increase destination awareness, and facilitate the creation of itineraries that include Uganda. Through these engagements, Canadian tour operators gain in-depth knowledge of Uganda’s offerings, fostering collaboration and enhancing the country’s presence in the Canadian market.
