Who wants what? Assessing the supply and demand for locally-produced tourism services around Bwindi Forest, Uganda

Abstract

Tourism in Uganda is critical for generating revenue for conservation of mountain gorillas and other species and habitats. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) tourist numbers have increased from 1,300 per annum in 1993 to around 20,000 per annum today. International tourists pay US$600 per head to track gorillas. Local people living around the forest receive a share of the revenue generated by tourism to the park including US$10 per gorilla permit sold, plus 20 per cent of the US$40 park entry fees in recognition of the importance of their support for conservation. The total amount of money generated by this revenue sharing scheme is allocated to parishes adjacent to the park, according to a formula set out in Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guidelines, and is used to fund community projects such as clinics and schools.