By Spy Uganda
Uganda has once again earned international recognition for its outstanding natural heritage after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was named the third-best adventure destination in the world at the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Bwindi, renowned for its mist-covered hills, dense rainforest, and rare population of mountain gorillas, came third globally, ranking just behind Ancash in Peru and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. The award places Uganda among the world’s leading adventure destinations celebrated for their extraordinary landscapes, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism practices.
Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Board of Trustees, represented Uganda at the ceremony in Riyadh. He hailed the award as a strong endorsement of Uganda’s conservation and tourism leadership.
“This accolade is a powerful endorsement of Uganda’s commitment to conservation-led tourism. Bwindi demonstrates how protecting nature can create meaningful adventure experiences while empowering communities and sustaining national development,” Prof. Kalema said.
The TOURISE Global Tourism Awards celebrate destinations that excel in innovation, sustainability, and visitor experience. The annual event brings together policymakers, tourism authorities, and industry leaders from around the world to honor excellence and promote responsible tourism practices that benefit both people and the planet.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse rainforests and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park offers some of the most profound adventure experiences through gorilla trekking, birdwatching, and eco-tourism trails that attract thousands of high-value visitors every year.
Bwindi’s success has not only enhanced Uganda’s tourism profile but also generated vital resources for conservation and community development, particularly through UWA’s community revenue-sharing programs.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority commended conservation partners, local communities, and tourism operators for their continued support in preserving the park’s ecological integrity.
“This international recognition is shared by all Ugandans who contribute to protecting and promoting our natural treasures,” said Bashir Hangi, UWA’s Assistant Commissioner for Communications.
