Uganda and China recently hosted a one-day symposium in Kampala to promote tourism development and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The inaugural Uganda-China Tourism and Cultural Symposium brought together government officials, tourism industry stakeholders, and tour operators from Uganda, China, and the East African region.
Ugandan Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Tom Butime highlighted the vast opportunities for Uganda and China to collaborate in boosting tourism, tapping into their cultural heritage and scenic attractions to advance the development of both countries.
Uganda is eager to tap into China’s booming outbound tourism market, drawing inspiration from China’s successful domestic tourism strategies while exploring investment opportunities in the sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong noted that the symposium represents a significant milestone in Uganda-China cooperation within the tourism sector, infusing new vitality into the China-Uganda friendship.
Despite different traditions, both countries share a vision of integrating history, culture, and modern civilization into tourism development.
The symposium featured a paper by Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, on cultivating a Ugandan model for China-Africa tourism cooperation.
He emphasized the need for Uganda to enhance its tourism promotion and policy coordination efforts targeting the Chinese market, including organizing tourism exhibitions, seminars, and promotional events in China.
The event also included an exhibition with Ugandan tour operators showcasing their products, as well as cultural performances such as a traditional Chinese lion dance and a display of traditional Ugandan and Chinese attire.
Tourism is Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earner, contributing over 1 billion U.S. dollars annually.
