Passengers at Entebbe International AirportFinance Minister Henry Musasizi has called for deliberate action to unlock Uganda’s tourism potential and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy, saying Government is targeting $5 billion in annual tourism receipts by 2030.Musasizi said achieving the target will require not only increasing visitor numbers but also longer stays and attracting high-value visitors, adding that tourism remains a high-priority sector.He made the remarks while officiating at the 4th Annual Tourism Development Programme Review Conference at Imperial Royale Hotel.The latest Tourism Development Programme Annual Performance Report for FY2025/26 shows Uganda received 1.64 million international tourists in 2025, up from 1.37 million in 2024. Tourism receipts increased by 21.3% to Shs5.83 trillion ($1.62 billion), driven by higher visitor spending and longer stays.The average length of stay rose from 8.7 nights in 2024 to 8.8 nights in 2025, while average tourist expenditure per trip increased to $986, up from $933 in 2024.Musasizi said Government’s role is to create an enabling environment for the private sector to invest, expand facilities, improve standards and attract foreign direct investment through partnerships and joint ventures.He called for stronger public-private partnerships to turn tourism opportunities into viable and bankable investments across hotels and conference facilities, eco-tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, faith-based tourism, agro-tourism, sports, wellness, adventure, creative and entertainment tourism.The sector directly generates 876,512 jobs, equivalent to 7.5% of Uganda’s total employment, according to the Tourism Satellite Account.Musasizi said Government will continue investing in tourism infrastructure, destination marketing, product development, conservation, specialised skills and digital transformation, while improving the business and investment environment.He also pointed to affordable financing and fiscal incentives for investors, alongside Economic and Commercial Diplomacy to promote Uganda in international markets.He urged stakeholders to deliberately discover, develop, package, market and sustainably manage Uganda’s tourism assets while ensuring the sector creates jobs, earns foreign exchange and benefits communities.“Tourism is a source of high economic growth, earns the country significant foreign exchange, creates jobs for Ugandans, redistributes income to rural areas, and gives us a compelling reason to protect our nature,” Musasizi said.State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki said Government’s efforts in marketing, infrastructure development and product diversification are beginning to yield results, noting expanded visibility on international markets and collaboration with Uganda’s missions abroad and local governments.She highlighted construction of more than 280km of tourism roads, expansion of Entebbe International Airport, development of Kabalega International Airport and commencement of Kidepo International Airport. She also commended efforts to diversify tourism products and protect cultural and natural heritage.She, however, called for more investment in tourism infrastructure, stronger marketing, faster product development and improved skills for sector workers.The post Tourism Receipts Hit $1.62bn as Uganda Eyes $5bn by 2030 appeared first on Business Focus.