travel 7 November 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Examining Uganda's Tourism Spending Gap Between African and European Visitors

Recent tourism data reveals that while African nations provide the bulk of visitor arrivals to Uganda, European tourists spend nearly three times as much per night. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/inside-uganda-s-tourism-numbers-5661840

Data from the 2025 Tourist Expenditure and Motivation Survey (TEMS), released by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), highlights a notable financial disparity among inbound travelers. While African visitors account for the largest volume of international arrivals in Uganda, their daily expenditure trails significantly behind visitors from western markets.

According to the survey findings, European tourists spend an average of US$235 per person per night. This contrasts sharply with African tourists, who spend an average of US$80 per person daily.

The research also indicates that high-spending trends are not exclusive to Europe. Travelers originating from North America spend an average of US$232 per night, closely mirroring European levels, while visitors from Oceania record an average daily spend of US$223.

These insights underscore the ongoing strategic challenge for Uganda’s tourism sector. Industry stakeholders must balance regional market engagement with initiatives designed to encourage higher spending and extended stays across all visitor demographics.