Industry experts have welcomed the UK’s lifting of its previous “advice against all but essential travel” to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) – an advisory that severely restricted tourism to the park since its implementation more than two years ago.
The advisory – in place since the October 2023 killing of a UK man and his South African wife along with their guide – was lifted on November 2.
ATTA said the positive development followed ongoing dialogue within the sector. This included an ATTA-hosted roundtable in September when tourism stakeholders engaged with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on the business impacts of the previous advisory.
ATTA stated the move will allow normal travel to QENP to resume, subject to standard risk assessments, while insurance cover for travellers and operators “should return to normal”.
“We encourage members selling Uganda to review itineraries, update client communication and adjust messaging accordingly,” the association stated.
QENP welcomed over 95 000 tourists in 2022, equating to 26% of visitors to all of Uganda’s national parks.
Tourism advisor and former ATTA CEO Jon Danks welcomed the news: “I have travelled into Uganda several times this year, and have been fortunate to work alongside officials and travel industry colleagues, and experience the warm hospitality of this peaceful nation.”
Travel expert Lorraine Simpson shared similar sentiments: “For a country where tourism supports families, schools, conservation and entire communities, the timing could not be better. This update brings hope to guides who rely on visitors, to small lodges that keep entire villages employed and to local businesses that have been waiting for travellers to return.
“Today feels like a moment of possibility for Uganda and I am honoured to be part of the journey of bringing more travellers to this remarkable place.”
