Tourists to East African countries to pay visa fees once Halima Athumani Ministers in the East African community

have agreed to set a standard Visa rate to increase the tourism sector in the region. The ministries involved include Finance, Regional Affairs and Internal Affairs, but, are yet to conclude on the fee to be charged. Maria Mutagamba Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities says Uganda which is investing about 400,000 dollars in its tourism sector needs to find way of gaining revenue and catching up with countries like Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya spends over 24 million dollars annually to market its tourism while Tanzania spends 10 million dollars which leaves Uganda riding on the back of the East African community. Mutagamba says the money shall then be shared after the reconciliation stage, but this will depend on which country the tourist has gone too within the region. //Cue in: The ministers and Cue out:enter which country.// Baguma Cuthbert the Executive Director Uganda Tourism Board reveals that last year alone Uganda got 1,150,000 tourists raising revenue of 805 million US Dollars. Baguma adds that the tourist industry is growing at a rate of 21.7 percent with leisure tourists spending on average 10, 80 US Dollars according to research done by the international trade centre. //Cue in: The total arrivals Cue out:come to Uganda.// However, tourists have on several occasions complained about Ugandas poor roads that led to the tourist sites. Boniface Byamukama the chairperson Tours and Operators Association says they have agreed together with the Ministry of works and transport to gazette some roads for construction. These include IshashaKatunguru road leading to the Ishasha wilderness camp, Kisoro-Nkuringo road to Nkuringo Safari lodge, and Muko-Ruhija-Buhoma road leading to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The association has also launched a domestic flight schedule before the roads are completed. Ugandas selling points from the top include Bwindi national park with gorillas, Kibaale National park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo National park among others.

The travel and Tourism Exhibition in Berlin Germany early this month saw Uganda emerging 5th best exhibitor out of 54 African countries. Ugandas theme at the fair was Uganda the Pearl of Africa, Your Eco Tourism destination. The East African community was showcased as a single tourist destination.