Tourism Earns $163m In 2001
Nov 29, 2002
UGANDA attracted 210,000 tourists during the year 2001, up from 192,000 visitors who flocked into the country in the year 2000.
By Ricks Kayizzi
UGANDA attracted 210,000 tourists during the year 2001, up from 192,000 visitors who flocked into the country in the year 2000.
It also earned US$163m from the tourism sector, according to Jovino Akaki, state minister for tourism.
Jovino Akaki was meeting officials from the Uganda Tourist Board and several tour operators who had just returned from the World Travel Market 2002 in London, at Farmers House.
The 50-man delegation attended the exhibition between November 11-14, and reportedly signed contracts with 40 tour firms from around the world.
“Despite the security threat being caused as a result of the northern insurgency, the number of tourists visiting Uganda has been rising steadily every year,†he said.
Akaki said that in recognition of Uganda’s tremendous achievements in the tourism sector, it had been chosen to host the first African International Tourism Summit, which will be held on March 3, 2003 in Kampala.
He said that Uganda, which boasts of about 1300 hotels, lodges, restaurants and other makeshift apartments, expects to host about 300,000 tourists in the year 2002, who will almost double the earnings from this sector.
“At this growth rate, we expect to attract about half a million tourists by the year 2006. The security in national game parks and game reserves has improved tremendously†he said.
He said they would target high profile tourists. Ends
UGANDA attracted 210,000 tourists during the year 2001, up from 192,000 visitors who flocked into the country in the year 2000.
It also earned US$163m from the tourism sector, according to Jovino Akaki, state minister for tourism.
Jovino Akaki was meeting officials from the Uganda Tourist Board and several tour operators who had just returned from the World Travel Market 2002 in London, at Farmers House.
The 50-man delegation attended the exhibition between November 11-14, and reportedly signed contracts with 40 tour firms from around the world.
“Despite the security threat being caused as a result of the northern insurgency, the number of tourists visiting Uganda has been rising steadily every year,†he said.
Akaki said that in recognition of Uganda’s tremendous achievements in the tourism sector, it had been chosen to host the first African International Tourism Summit, which will be held on March 3, 2003 in Kampala.
He said that Uganda, which boasts of about 1300 hotels, lodges, restaurants and other makeshift apartments, expects to host about 300,000 tourists in the year 2002, who will almost double the earnings from this sector.
“At this growth rate, we expect to attract about half a million tourists by the year 2006. The security in national game parks and game reserves has improved tremendously†he said.
He said they would target high profile tourists. Ends