LocationsWorld Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation
September 27, 2025
Snow Capped Rwenzori Mountains
As the world celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” we reflect on the evolving role of tourism in shaping economies, communities, and ecosystems. Tourism today is more than leisure, it is a catalyst for sustainable development, inclusion, and cultural preservation.
In Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, the sector illustrates how nature, culture, and innovation can come together to drive progress. With extraordinary biodiversity, diverse cultural heritage, and a bold vision for growth, Uganda is redefining what tourism can achieve.
Nature, Culture, and Opportunity
Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering one of the most profound wildlife encounters globally. Beyond gorillas, visitors can experience the Big Five and explore over 1,000 bird species, placing Uganda among the richest biodiversity destinations.
The cultural landscape is equally vibrant. With more than 50 ethnic groups. Uganda’s traditions are preserved in UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Kasubi Tombs and expressed through music, dance, crafts, and cuisine. From the rapids of the Nile to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the country’s geography offers endless adventure and opportunities for meaningful travel experiences.
Tulambule of the Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park welcomes a baby gorilla!
Tourism as a Driver of Development
Tourism is at the heart of Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand the economy from $50 billion in 2023 to $500 billion by 2040. Tourism is a key pillar of this vision, alongside Agro-Industry, Minerals, and Science and Innovation. Within this strategy, tourism is predicted to grow and be able to contribute about $50 billion to the economy by 2040.
Strategic drivers in the tourism sector include: increasing tourist arrivals fivefold, boosting annual revenues, diversifying experiences to attract broader audiences, and positioning Uganda as a hub for investment, trade, and tourism in Africa. When managed sustainably, the sector will increasingly create jobs, support sustainable conservation, preserve cultural identity, and strengthen national unity.
Regional Integration and AfCFTA
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents new opportunities for Uganda to expand intra-African tourism, building on improving ease of travel across countries in the continent. Simplified visa processes, harmonized policies, and joint marketing with neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan can strengthen seamless regional tourism circuits.
AfCFTA also strengthens Uganda’s case for investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and digital platforms that enhance visitor experiences and promote a shared African identity.
UNDP Uganda’s Contribution
UNDP Uganda works with communities, entrepreneurs, and government to make tourism inclusive and sustainable. Through its initiatives, local enterprises are supported to develop authentic tourism experiences, MSMEs are equipped with digital tools to reach global markets, and eco-tourism models are promoted to protect biodiversity while generating livelihoods. By linking tourism to youth employment, women’s empowerment, and innovation, UNDP Uganda ensures the sector contributes to broader national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking Ahead
World Tourism Day is a reminder that tourism must work for people, planet, and prosperity. Uganda’s journey demonstrates how collaboration, sustainability, and bold leadership can transform tourism into a driver of renewal and shared growth.
As we celebrate this day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a tourism sector that preserves natural and cultural wealth, expands economic opportunities, and inspires travelers from across the globe.
Lorna Pascqa Abur,
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Associate.