Optimism in tourism and travel industry as Covid-19 vaccine is approved for use
The approval of Pfizer/BioNTech, a Covid-19 vaccine for use in the UK has made travelers and tourism stakeholders across the world optimistic, hoping to resume normal life and business soon.
Last week, the UK government approved Pfizer/BioNTech and it became the first country start an official use of a Covid-19 vaccine. The UK has now kicked off a massive immunization exercise starting with the elderly people who are over 80 years and health care staff.
Why travelers and tour operators are excited
The announcement of the first Covid-19 vaccine was welcomed with huge excitement almost by everybody but to the stakeholders in the tours and travel industry, this meant so much more than a health boost. Covid-19 has paralyzed the industry for over 8 months due to restricted international movements and this meant loss of tourism revenue especially from international tourists. The pandemic has also heavily affected normal business hence crippling individual income which hinders the ability to travel. The approval of the vaccine therefore means that such barriers may soon be overcome especially if it is effectively distributed and used across the world sooner than later.
How the pandemic has ravaged the tourism industry in Uganda
The banning of international travel which was followed by declaration of a countrywide lockdown earlier this year to control the spread of Covid-19, marked the beginning of suffering of those employed in the tourism sector. Many lost jobs as companies could not sustain them anymore while others just had to close down their businesses due to lack of income to cater for their expenses.
Why Uganda’s tourism sector is now optimistic
Before the pandemic, Uganda had become one of the best tourist destinations in Africa due to her popular attractions especially gorilla trekking which attracts thousands of tourists to see the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking attracts the biggest number of tourists in Uganda and the activity contributes the highest revenue to the country’s tourism sector. Tour operators are hoping that vaccination against Covid-19 will speed up the recovery process from the pandemic and allow potential travels return for safaris like gorilla trekking hence revamping the industry.
Other popular safari activities in Uganda
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda has got a variety of other amazing tourists ranging from wildlife and adventure to cultural and historical experiences. These include wildlife experiences like chimpanzee tracking, game viewing, bird watching and nature walks in the country’s beautiful savannah parks including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Adventurous experiences in Uganda include Mountain climbing at Mount Rwenzori, the third highest mountain in Africa, white-water-rafting at the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world, among others. Social experiences like cultural and historical tours take you to some of Uganda’s most amazing communities like the Batwa pygmies in the southeast and the Karamojong in the northeast near Kidepo Valley National Park. Gorilla Trek Africa is your ultimate guide in the Pearl of Africa and across East Africa
