In light of intensified discussions regarding the impact of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws on tourism, a large majority of Tourism Update readers have voiced their opinion that countries with discriminatory policies should not be given platforms to promote their offerings.

Approximately 58% of readers said that countries with discriminatory policies should not be given tourism promotion platforms, while 27% said that they should be given such platforms. The remaining 25% of respondents said they were uncertain on the issue.

Last year, Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which imposes harsh penalties – including life imprisonment and the death penalty – for homosexual sex acts and “aggravated homosexuality”. 

Should African countries react to visa non-reciprocity?

The tourism industry has responded critically to the Namibian government’s decision to revoke visa-free status to 31 countries — a move prompted by a “lack of reciprocity” in extending visa-free access to Namibians.

Government has further voiced its frustration that the country and its nationals are not equal partners on the global stage. But with top tourism source markets included in the list of affected countries, and other African countries freeing up their visa regimes, the move could have far-reaching impacts on the country’s economy and on the thousands of people who rely on the sector to make a living.

Should African countries take on a “proportionate response” approach to non-reciprocity in visa policies, as Namibia is doing, in an attempt to gain a more equal footing on the global stage? Or would such moves only serve to further hinder job creation and economic growth? We want to hear your thoughts.

Our poll question this week is: