travel 24 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Launches "Gorilla-Branded" Bus Campaign in Paris to Attract Tourists
Uganda's Embassy in France has unveiled a novel two-week mobile tourism campaign in Paris, deploying three buses adorned with iconic Ugandan wildlife and landscapes to capture the attention of millions of summer travelers flocking to the city. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-hijacks-paris-summer-crowds-with-gorilla-branded-buses-in-tourism-blitz-5507206
In an innovative bid to capture a slice of the lucrative European travel market, Uganda has launched a vibrant mobile tourism campaign on the streets of Paris.
Three buses, now emblazoned with striking imagery of mountain gorillas, the Rwenzori Mountains, the source of the Nile, and the wildlife-rich savannahs of Kidepo Valley, are set to traverse the French capital. The initiative, which commenced on June 23, 2026, aims to place Uganda prominently on the radar of the vast number of tourists visiting Paris during its peak summer season.
Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, Uganda’s envoy to France, Spain, and Portugal, explained the strategy: “Summer in France begins in June, and Paris becomes a magnet. Tourists from every continent pour in… The Uganda Embassy is borrowing that crowd.” The buses will cover over 200 square kilometers daily, targeting French-speaking commuters and featuring QR codes that provide direct links to travel information about Uganda.
This campaign is part of a broader effort to boost Uganda’s tourism numbers, particularly from major markets like France, Spain, and Portugal. The goal extends beyond mere awareness; Uganda aims to become a standard inclusion in European travel itineraries and holiday packages, with a tangible increase in tourist arrivals being the ultimate measure of success.
“This is one of the avenues of raising awareness about Uganda as a destination to the French market,” stated Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, representing Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “At the same time, many Europeans who go through here… are also able to connect with the tour operators and other tourism associations which are based in Europe.”
The initiative is a collaborative push between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, aligning with Uganda’s “tenfold growth strategy” that identifies tourism as a key driver for economic development. The campaign has been lauded as a forward-thinking approach, signaling a potential shift in how African nations promote their unique natural and cultural attractions on the global stage.
This initiative highlights Uganda’s commitment to leveraging its natural heritage for economic gain. Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)