Kampala, Uganda -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/03/2010 -- Statistic reports still show that Kenya continues to dwarf Uganda in the tourist arrival figures.

According to the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), tourism arrivals in Uganda increased from 512,000 in 2004 to 844,000 in 2008, an increase of 65% in five years whereas the neighbours Kenya had 1, 816,800 tourist visitors in the same year.

This variation has however been linked to the massive investment that Kenya puts into its tourism sector compared to Uganda and other regional neighbours.

According to a draft corporate strategy plan 2009-2012, Kenya spends sh27b (ksh1b) on marketing its tourism potential alone.

Uganda Tourism experts argue that unless additional promotional cash is invested in the sector to match its competitors internationally, the arrival figures into the country will remain meager.

Kenya and Egypt are some of the biggest spenders on tourism promotion to the tune of sh189b combined, according to the WTTC.

Sector Demands Sh22 Billion to Boost Tourism

The Tourism sector is asking for sh22b in next month's budget allocation to effectively market the country’s tourism and boost foreign earnings. The sector acknowledges its third position on the list of the national primary growth areas recently released by the National Development Plan after agriculture and forestry.

Cuthbert Baguma, the new boss of Tourism Uganda-a tourism promotion agency said key on the agency's plan is to promote local and regional tourism.

“There is need to promote local and regional tourism if we hope to maintain our run in same the market with other competitor countries. Baguma said. “Uganda must fight limited visibility internationally.” He maintained.

In 2008, tourism contributed 9.1% (about $1.2b) to the country’s gross domestic product, while Kenya tourism contributed 10.8% (about $3.5b) to GDP – WTTC report.