World Travel and Tourism Council has ranked Rwanda and Uganda among the few improved travel destinations in the world. Ethiopia shot the first position as the fastest growing tourist destination in the world has achieved a 48.6% increase in tourism revenue in the year 2019 contributing over 9.4% of the country’s economy. Also, tourism in Ethiopia tourism industry generates over 2.2 million jobs directly and indirectly to local people hence the major source of employment and livelihood for over 8% of Ethiopia’s total workforce. On the other hand, Rwanda achieved a tourism growth rate of 13.8% in 2018 ranking in the 6th position. The Land of a Thousand Hills is widely known as the most peaceful country, which has risen from the ashes of the 1994 genocide to be one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. Uganda the Pearl of Africa attained an 11.3% tourism growth rate hence ranked 12th best destination. Ranking as the best affordable gorilla tour destination in the world. Uganda is naturally blessed by nature being home to half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas dwelling in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks.
Magical Kenya could not be left behind. The Masai land was recognized for achieving 5.6% in 2018, which created over 1.46 million jobs for locals directly and indirectly. Tourism in Kenya altogether contributed over 8.8% of the country’s gross domestic product hence the development of the country.
But what was considered in Ranking?
Many people have asked what the World Travel and Tourism Council considered while ranking these countries. Well, it was all based on wildlife, history, beaches and other tourism attractions and activities in each country. In total, the world travel and tourism council analyzed 185 countries and 25 regions quantifying the global economic and employment impact of travel and tourism. The 2018 tourism statistics confirmed that tourism contributed over 10.4% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) creating over 319 million jobs, which is roughly 10% of the total employment. Tourism was recognized as the major source of employment opportunities, which generate one of every five jobs created. In general. Africa was ranked second fastest growing region in the world after Asia Pacific. The restored peace an security especially in north Africa are among the reasons for the great performance.
What is expected?
The year 2019 is expected to reap big from tourism. All stakeholders in tourism including travel operators; hotel owners and lodges are resilient in 2019. A lot of jobs are to be created, foreign exchange earning increased and general performance of tourism in terms of tourist arrivals and spending. Travel and tourism is expected to expand by 3.6% faster than the previous years contributing 2.9% of the economy in 2019.
Among the reasons for the ranking of Uganda and Rwanda are the endangered mountain gorillas. The two countries shelter the surviving population of mountain gorillas hence the only places to visit and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Rwanda Mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes national park while in Uganda, the gentle giants live in the jungles of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national parks in southwestern Uganda. Gorilla passes cost $700 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda which money is used to promote conservation while improving the standards of living for local people. Bwindi forest as home to over 500 mountain gorillas, which make half of the world’s total mountain gorilla population.
In conclusion, Rwanda and Uganda have achieved great in tourism and worth exploring. Book an African safari to East Africa, trek gorillas in Bwindi/Volcanoes national parks and appreciate the beauty of nature at affordable rates.
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