Ministry of Tourism Launches Celebrations for 2025 World Tourism Day

Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day with a series of events that will climax with main celebrations in Arua City on September 27.

This year’s World Tourism Day for Uganda will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Tourism and sustainable transformation.’

Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, the State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra said these month-long activities will help spotlight Uganda’s tourism sector for Ugandans and the world to see.

“This year’s theme shows that leisure and travel.It is a driver of long term change, creating livelihoods, so regarding cultural heritage, protecting the biodiversity and promoting inclusive growth, hence ensuring that tourism benefits both present and future generations, while aligning with global development goals,” Mugarra said.

He said Uganda’s fourth national development plan emphasizes tourism as a key driver for wealth creation, jobs and inclusive growth.

“Under NDP iv, government has committed to expanding tourism infrastructure, diversifying products and human capital, and aggressively marketing Uganda but also speaks directly growth strategy. This aims to increase the contribution of tourism to Uganda’s GDP through diversification, infrastructure development.”

The minister said Uganda has a unique story to tell with diverse natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.

He said by taking the celebrations to Arua, government seeks to turn the spotlight onto the area as a tourist destination.

“Arua is a gateway to both domestic and cross border tourism, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse and ethnic groups and untapped tourism potential and bringing the celebrations to our city, we want to showcase the tourism opportunities on the West Nile region.”

The Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Dr.James Musinguzi said the rhino naming ceremony  is part of a 10-year strategy aimed at conserving rhinos.

He said the ceremony will offer individuals, corporates, and philanthropists the unique opportunity to symbolically “adopt” and name a rhino, with proceeds directly funding habitat expansion, veterinary care, anti-poaching measures, and community conservation programmes.

There are 17 calves at Zziwa to be named and funds raised will directly support rhino conservation in Uganda. He also announced that as part of the month-long celebrations, UWA will open gates for national parks for members of the public to freely enter.

The open park days will be held between September 25 and 27.

The Uganda Tourism Board Marketing Manager, Francis Nyende said the month-long activities will celebrate Uganda’s culture and preserve the country’s rich heritage.

“Uganda’s tourism sector is crucial for community livelihoods, conservation, and economic growth, aiming to contribute 10% of the GDP by 2040, equating to $50 billion. To remain relevant, tourism must evolve into a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient industry. The country is committing to this transformation, with September’s activities highlighting this commitment through a variety of activities, extending beyond national parks,”Nyende said.

According to officials, the month-long celebrations will kick-off with the Miss Tourism grand finale set for Friday, September, 5 at Kampala Serena Hotel, then the sixth bi-annual Private Sector CEO Forum retreat slated for September 9–11 at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal,  the Karamoja Festival between September 8 and 13, Ekyoto Hampango as King Oyo celebrate 30th coronation anniversary set for September 12, the Kampala schools tourism competition and innovation challenges set for September 11 and the name and save rhino ceremony at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola on September 22.

The month-long celebrations will also include a school engagement in Arua set for between September 24 and 25, the tourism games for September 26 and the climax on September 27 with the world tourism day celebrations in Arua City. However, the icing on the cake will be the Explore West Nile campaign set for September 28 to 29