Profile of Uganda’s tourism sector with statistics in three detailed paragraph with the latest references

Uganda's tourism sector has been a significant contributor to the country's economy. According to the World Bank, the tourism sector contributed about 7.7% to Uganda's GDP in 2019. The country is endowed with diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and over 1,000 species of birds, which attract tourists from around the world. The Uganda Wildlife Authority reported that the number of tourists visiting national parks increased by 17% from 2018 to 2019. The most visited parks are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Uganda's tourism sector. The United Nations World Tourism Organization reported a 73% decline in international tourist arrivals in 2020. This has led to a significant loss of revenue and jobs in the sector. The government has implemented several measures to support the sector, including financial assistance to businesses and promoting domestic tourism.

Despite the challenges, there are signs of recovery in Uganda's tourism sector. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that the sector's contribution to GDP will increase to 9.6% by 2028. The government is also investing in infrastructure and marketing to attract more tourists. For example, the Uganda Tourism Board launched a new brand, "Uganda, The Pearl of Africa", in 2020 to promote the country's unique attractions.

References:

1. World Bank. (2020). The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism Sector in Uganda.
2. Uganda Wildlife Authority. (2019). Annual Report.
3. United Nations World Tourism Organization. (2021). Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism.
4. World Travel and Tourism Council. (2020). Economic Impact Report: Uganda.
5. Uganda Tourism Board. (2020). Annual Report.