Covid-19 And The Uganda – Rwanda Tourism
Coronavirus disease – 19 is a virus whose outbreak started in Wuhan, China and has since then been spreading like a bushfire to the entire globe. Sweeping through different countries, Uganda has equally had its share of this deadly virus with the number of registered cases of patients increasing day by day. On a very sad note, coronavirus has hit Uganda’s biggest foreign exchange earner (tourism) with sector players registering huge losses amid growing tensions of a looming economic crisis. Many hotels, tourism and aviation industries, as well as other businesses, are counting losses following the cancellation of bookings and reduced business activities from travellers around the world.
What is the state of affairs for Uganda/Rwanda Tourism during the Covid-19 outbreak?
The state of affairs for Uganda and Rwanda tourism is at a standstill after the recent outbreak of the pandemic. As days go by, the condition keeps alarming due to the increased number of travellers calling in to cancel their trips, and accommodation bookings while others even go to the extreme measures of demanding a refund. It is a very horrible experience for most local tour operators during the outbreak of COVID-19 since there is no defined period of time when the business will resume.
Similarly, most of the local and international flights to Rwanda and Uganda as well as national borders movements have been cancelled due to the lockdown following the Presidential directives to minimize the spread of this deadly virus. This has limited the movement of travellers in and out of the country especially those who had planned holidays in Rwanda and Uganda.
The government restriction to quarantine all travellers from affected foreign states due to the coronavirus pandemic in some way yielded losses to the tourism sector although it was an ideal way to prevent the general public from contracting the virus.
It is important to note that almost all national parks, as well as other tourism centres in both countries, are undergoing a lockdown until the situation stabilizes. For example, gorilla tourism was suspended in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Virunga in DR Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda. This is a step that has been made to minimize the transition of COVID-19 to the wildlife species. A number of preventive measures have been adopted by the staff and management of these tourist centres in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
What is the future of tourism after COVID-19?
Although tourism will be the hardest hit by coronavirus based on the travel warnings issued by the government to people travelling in and out of the country, there is still hope for the tourism industry to flourish after COVID-19. It’s only a question of time that’s important here.
How will the tourism industry be affected after the Pandemic?
Uganda and Rwanda are facing a global health crisis whose impact on tourism may or may not be estimated exhaustively since there are new developments every day concerning the issue. Considering the evolving nature of the situation, it is still too early to estimate the full impact of COVID-19 on Uganda’s tourism except for the increasing losses registered by different stakeholders whose hope remains with when the situation will be stabilized.
What is the way forward for the government and tour operators?
Currently, these two bodies are trying to seek dialogue to see how to go about with business without incurring severe damages.
It is important for various tour operators to focus on crucial areas of business which do not involve sales and customer service as they wait for the situation to get back to normal.
Considering the uncertainty of the situation, it is important for tour operators to stay calm and plan creatively their moves on how to recover their losses because it may take a while for a business to recover.
Tour operators need to evaluate their options as well as explore how other sectors are reacting to the challenges. This will help them choose the best course of action that will help them get back on track.
Community Tours Rwanda
What should tourists do during this time?
Tourists are advised to follow the safety measures put by the government restraining them from travelling during these coronavirus times. This is to ensure their safety as well as that of the service providers. Tourists should be responsible not only for their well-being but also for the well-being of those around them.
Tourists are also encouraged to be flexible by postponing their trips to Uganda until the situation is stabilized for safe travelling. It is essential to stay informed as the situation evolves, especially when travelling. Travellers should check regularly with WHO and other reliable resources for the latest updates and information issued by health and travel professionals as to when they can have their trips.
What should tourists do after the Pandemic?
All tourists who had planned to visit Uganda and Rwanda are advised to reschedule their trips up to 2 years without extra payment instead of cancelling.
In conclusion, many preventive measures have been put in place in Uganda to ensure the safety of the citizens, as well as travellers and other developments, which are still arising concerning the state of affairs. I urge every affected individual to remain calm while the state and world find a solution to the pandemic.
