Uganda has turned the global spotlight on West Nile as it prepares to host World Tourism Day (WTD) 2025 on September 27th. The celebrations, running under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, will be staged in Arua City, marking the region’s biggest tourism showcase to date.
For years, Uganda’s tourism story has often centered on the gorillas of Bwindi, the lions of Queen Elizabeth, or the Source of the Nile. But with this year’s World Tourism Day, the government says the message is clear: Uganda’s beauty is bigger than its traditional hotspots.
State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra, explained that the choice of Arua is part of a deliberate strategy to spread the benefits of tourism across all regions.
“Tourism must be inclusive. By bringing WTD to Arua, we are creating new opportunities, attracting investment, and giving communities here a chance to participate in the industry’s growth,” he said.
The celebrations will stretch over a week, featuring exhibitions, cultural showcases, familiarization tours, school engagements, and dialogue forums. Arua’s blend of diverse cultures, historical sites, and stunning landscapes is expected to take center stage.
Adding to the excitement, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has declared September 25th–27th as Free Park Days, granting Ugandans free access to selected national parks, including game drives, photography, and filming. The move, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said, is meant to deepen local appreciation for conservation.
“When Ugandans experience their natural heritage, they begin to own and protect it. That is the legacy we want from World Tourism Day,” he noted.
The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and other stakeholders pledged to use the platform to strengthen collaborations that boost Uganda’s visibility and competitiveness on the global tourism map.
As the world gathers to mark World Tourism Day, Arua and the wider West Nile sub-region are set to showcase not only their cultural richness and warm hospitality, but also their readiness to join Uganda’s frontline tourism destinations.
