Tourist Feedback Excites Uganda Wildlife Authority | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

Tourist feedback received through the Gorilla Friendly^TM Pledge Website was analyzed, compiled into a report, and shared with Bwindi Mgahinga Cconservation Area staff (park and tourism wardens, and Head guides). Feedback shared highlighted the adherence to tourism rules by tourists and the enforcement of the same by the park staff. Overall feedback indicated that the park was doing a good job in enforcing the rules, although some unique cases also indicated that some tourists were spending more than 1 hour with the gorillas, some groups were being visited twice, while some tourists were getting close to the gorillas among others. The tourists also gave several recommendations on how best the park can improve the tourism experience. The park staff appreciated the feedback shared and acknowledged the findings to be true. They, however requested IGCP to keep such important information confidential and rather consider sharing it with them more often. The park authorities appreciated the need for the establishment of a private email linked to the Gorilla Friendly^TM Pledge website for timely access of the tourist feedback. They recommitted to popularize the pledge and to remind the tourists to share their tracking experience. Sharing feedback helps the park make informed decisions and improve the tourism experience.