Throughout our trip we've visited multiple popular tourist sites here in Uganda, including the Equator, The Nile River, and Murchison Falls National Park. Tourism does play a role in the Ugandan economy and many people benefit from it. When we visited The Equator we noticed many shops that people had set up to sell crafts, clothing and other souvenir items. Many of the people who own those shops use them as their main source of income and rely on tourism to pay their bills. This is interesting to think about because with a job such as this, one can never be sure that their income is guaranteed. Many other companies and businesses thrive off of tourism as well, such as Red Chili Murchison Falls, safari drivers, and the companies that give Nile boat tours such as the one we went on. As we discussed, tourism ties to sustainable development in multiple ways, by contributing money to the economy, providing jobs to many people.
Some questions to consider...
1. Why do you think Uganda isn't commonly thought of as a tourist destination?
2. Where do you think there is room for expansion in the tourist sector of Uganda's economy?
3. Do you think there will come a time when Uganda will have to choose between maintaining the natural balance of its ecosystemsm and promoting tourism? Why or why not?
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I think the main reason that Uganda is not thought of as a tourist destination is because of the legacy of Idi Amin. Even though his rule ended almost 40 years ago, a lot of people still think of his atrocities when they think of Uganda. For example, when I told my parents that I wanted to go to Uganda, their first thought was of Idi Amin. Their generation is the generation that remembers his rule the best, bu they are also the ones who are traveling and contributing to tourism. Furthermore, Idi Amin's rule set Uganda back in terms of development. There is a perception that Uganda (and most sub-Saharan countries) is entirely in poverty and has nothing to offer tourists. I think as time goes on and perceptions change, tourism will change. Also, I think Uganda is already having to choose between maintaining ecosystems and promoting tourism. For example, Murchison Falls is already considering development projects (such as paved roads and bridges) that would increase tourism but potentially harm the environment. As Uganda develops, questions regarding tourism and conservation will continue to arise. Development does not have to conflict with environmental protection, but there is great potential. A key aspect to sustainable development for Uganda will be balancing development with preserving its environmental resources.
ReplyDeleteI think that people in the United States do not see Uganda as a tourist destination because they are aware of corruption throughout the country. Most people, when traveling to Africa, come to go on safaris. Africa is known for the population of animals that we only can see in zoos in the States. I think that it is important to recognize this and think more about how the road they are planning to build through the safari area. The road construction has the potential to force the animals which the tourists want to see out and could impact the tourism industry. I think that there are many factors which could influence the tourism industry such as climate change which cannot be controlled. All those involved can do is predict and try to adapt as fast as possible which relates to the sustainability of the industry.
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing that almost anywhere you go- it can be a touristy area, simply because it is different from anywhere else! However, I agree with Payton in the fact that Uganda might not have the most glorious reputation due to the poverty and corruption in the country. I was so appreciative that we could enjoy and admire the wildlife of Africa without interrupting their lives. While on top of the safari van, friend and I were discussing how we wish zoos in America were like that. I think it is important to conserve the animals and their habitat while we enjoy all they have to offer. I could definitely see Uganda choosing to pave roads, build bridges, etc, in order to increase tourism and their economy. Unfortunately this tradeoff for sustainable development could mean driving away the wildlife... so I hope they figure out a good balance between development and conservation. I also thought it was incredible to see Murchison Falls and learn about the history and sparked an interest in me about other national parks in the world.
ReplyDeleteI've done research on Ugandan tourism in the past! Fifty years ago Uganda was considered the "Pearl of Africa," because of numerous national parks and the film "African Queen". I agree with Kaitlynn; the political turmoil and economic collapse started with the reign of Idi Amin. The people and animal populations suffered. But Uganda is currently drawing in tourists again, with an increase of 50% over the last five years. I believe that the country's peace and stability over the past decade has made Uganda an interesting destination again. I feel as if the public and private sectors need to join forces to develop skilled workers in the tourism sector. Uganda has the attractions but I think tourism could bring in much more revenue if the country creates new experiences and attractions. In my opinion, the country could really benefit from island resorts and sailing regattas. This encourages domestic tourism as well as international!
ReplyDeleteI think when people think of tourist Africa they think of South Africa and more of the developed countries. This is because they are marketed to the public more and there is more money involved in keeping the parks and things up to par. It would be hard to put tourism in the budget for the government because they are already having major issues with their economy. If however they did it would have to be for roads because it takes very long for people to get from point A to point B on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteI think the subject of why Uganda isn't thought of as a tourist destination is very fascinating. It reminds me of when I travelled to Canada and found out that Cuba is a popular tourist destination for Canadians. I wonder if tourism to Uganda is similar. It makes sense from a financial perspective why many Americans don't travel to Uganda, but we have seen many Europeans here, and airfare is much cheaper from Europe. It would be interesting to know the statistics of the nationalities of tourists visiting Uganda.
ReplyDeleteTourism will definitely be something to consider for the future. There will be the need to consider balancing nature with tourism and ensure to keep things as natural as possible to keep the park as natural as possible and not destroy the animals natural habitat.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that Uganda will need to consider the balance between sustainability and development in respect to the environment. In fact, I believe that time has already come. As mentioned in the survey we were given subsequent to our trip, they are already considering paving roads, building a bridge, and possibly more. This section of development brings questioning on how it will impact the natural environment that many tourists go through. I believe that, in this situation, if certain parts of development are not necessary, they should not be done. Sure, the roads were bumpy, but they are fine to drive on. Even Dr. Bishop asked, would the baboons still have their morning meetings on the roads if they were paved with cement? In my head, I thought they wouldn't. Human development and mother nature are currently at an imbalance to begin with. The bridge that they are wanting to build makes sense to me, since it will decrease amounts of gasoline entering the Nile. In terms of development in the tourism sector for Murchison Falls, I believe decisions must be made by thinking about what is best for the natural environment, not the tourists. Tourists can deal with bumpy roads, cold showers and no AC. We are the ones who must accommodate to the animals. We are visitors in their home.
ReplyDeleteLike others mentioned, I think Uganda isn't commonly thought of as a tourist destination due to views of corruption within the government and people stereotyping Uganda as an unsafe country. Before I left for Uganda and I told people where I was traveling, many expressed concern in the safety of the area I was going. Many people would ask, 'OH! Wasn't there a war there?', my response of course was yes but I would also explain how we would be completely safe and the war ended years ago.
ReplyDeleteI found it fascinating for people to be so concerned about a war in Uganda, but there are wars everywhere. I mean, anywhere in the world has it's risks and dangers, so I find it odd that African countries are often stereotyped with being more dangerous than other areas.
There is definitely room for expansion, well I like to think of it as improvement, in the tourist sector. Uganda has many people who rely on tourists for their main source of income. Tourism could help play a role in the progress of the Ugandan economy by bringing in more business.
The concern I have with an increase in tourism is the impact it will have on the environment. Something special, I think, about the safari we took in Uganda was how natural it was and how little we seemed to disturb nature. I agree with Aleeza, Uganda will need to consider a balance between sustainability and development while respecting the environment. An increase in tourism can have positive outcomes as long as natural environments are not destroyed and overpowered by humans. This planet is a home to all species, not just humans and that must be acknowledged when considering development.