Uganda to earn 500 million dollars from tourism in 2005: official

Uganda's tourism sector is expected to earn over 500 million US dollars this year from 360 million dollars last year, the Ministry of Tourist has said.

Jovino Akaki, minister of state for tourism, was quoted by local press on Thursday as saying that the number of tourists has continued to rise from 512,000 last year to about 700,000 this year.

"Tourism has been one of the most successful and fastest growing sectors," he told parliament, adding that "we expect the earnings to increase to 500 million dollars because it is a festival season."

Akaki attributed the increase to stability, good governance and the confidence the international community has in Uganda.

He said the Uganda Wildlife Authority and security agencies has implemented measures that guarantee safety of tourists and other resources in the national parks and wildlife reserves.

"Our hotels have been improved, lounges at Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national parks have also been revamped to enable visitors tour all the areas in the parks," he added.

Source: Xinhua