The Ministry of Tourism in Partnership with the Chinese embassy to Uganda, on January 21, hosted the inaugural Uganda-China Tourism and Cultural Symposium at the Sheraton Hotel. The symposium themed “Bridging Cultures, Enhancing Cooperation: Unlocking Uganda-China Tourism Potential,” marked a significant milestone in promoting tourism development and reinforcing cultural ties between the two nations.
The symposium was attended by officials from the Ugandan government, a delegation of top tour operators from China, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, tourism stakeholders, and enthusiasts. The day’s agenda featured engaging seminars, vibrant exhibitions of tourism products and services, and captivating cultural and culinary showcases.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, underscored the importance of the Chinese market.
“China’s rich cultural heritage and rapidly growing outbound tourism make it a natural partner for us as we strive to develop new tourism products,” he said. Butime highlighted the immense opportunities the partnership presents for Uganda’s tourism sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation with Uganda.
“Tourism has the potential to drive socio-economic transformation. We encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Uganda to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he noted.
The ambassador also emphasized the need for continued efforts to create a safe, convenient, and welcoming environment for tourists.
Dai Bin, the President of the China Tourism Academy and head of the Chinese delegation, presented a paper on crafting a bespoke model for China-Africa tourism cooperation.
He highlighted the importance of recovery efforts in the global tourism industry and the need to leverage the existing strong ties between Uganda and China.
He further emphasized that Uganda should increase its participation in promotional events in China, conduct tourism seminars and exhibitions, and capitalize on its friendly relationships with China to attract more tourists.
Following the s symposium, the Ministry organized a three-day tour of Western Uganda for the Chinese delegation. The tour showcased some of Uganda’s most iconic attractions, including the scenic crater lakes in Fort Portal, wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and a stunning sundowner boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
During their visit, the delegation also participated in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at the Toro Babies Home, demonstrating their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Butime extended his gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador and the broader Chinese community for their contributions to Uganda’s development. He invited more Chinese visitors to experience Uganda’s unique beauty, including its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and warm, hospitable people.
He assured potential investors of government support and a conducive business environment to promote growth in the tourism sector.
Photos by Marvin Mugerwa.
