Sh1 trillion expected from Chinese tourists

Feb 07, 2005

UGANDA projects to earn at least sh1 trillion annually from one million Chinese tourists by 2007, tourism state minister Jovino Akaki has said.

By Kiganda Ssonko

UGANDA projects to earn at least sh1 trillion annually from one million Chinese tourists by 2007, tourism state minister Jovino Akaki has said.

“We shall improve our tourism potential by conserving and modernising some attractions to achieve the projection. If a million Chinese come here annually, and each spends at least $1,000, sh1 trillion would be left here,” he said.
Akaki said this during an interview at Farmers’ House in Kampala recently.

He said the funds would be realised after signing a memorandum of understanding with China in March to formalise tourism between the two countries.

“In 2004, presidents of the two countries agreed on intensive tourism between the two states. For this to be formal and operational, a memorandum has to be signed. We shall sign it in March from Beijing,” he said.

Akaki said the two countries had drafted texts of the understanding spelling out technicalities, agreed positions and benefits, which weigh Uganda’s ability to handle the Chinese tourists.

Akaki said investors from the two countries should target infrastructure like hotels, tour and travel bodies, recreation centres and African items.

“As governments, we are doing our part. However, other factors like the level of investment, absence of threats and improvement of infrastructure will determine the number of tourists,” he said.

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