By Ben Ssebuguzi
The coming up of Paradise Resort Island will reduce the amount of money Ugandans spend annually on trips to Zanzibar for honeymoons, Christmas, Easter holidays and corporate retreats.
An average expenditure in Zanzibar is estimated at US$274 per person per day. If the average stay is eight days, it means that the estimated budget for one visitor is roughly US$2,192.
According to figures attributed to the Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics, an average of about 15,000 Ugandans visit Zanzibar annually. This means that Uganda spends approximately US$32.88 million every year on these trips, reducing the foreign exchange retained within our economy.
Given that Uganda’s current account deficit continues to be a concern, we should take this issue seriously and begin considering local destinations such as Paradise Resort Island, owned by Dr Sudhir Ruparelia.
By choosing local tourism destinations, Ugandans can help retain more money within the domestic economy instead of spending it abroad. This can support local businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s hospitality and tourism industry.
According to figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Ugandans spent about Shs1.39 trillion on foreign travel in 2024. This demonstrates the significant amount of money circulating outside the country through outbound tourism.
If more Ugandans choose local destinations such as Paradise Resort Island, a portion of this expenditure could be redirected into Uganda’s economy, supporting investment, employment and the hospitality sector.
Paradise Resort Island presents an opportunity to experience luxury island tourism within Uganda rather than travelling abroad for similar leisure experiences. It is therefore important that Ugandans support local tourism investments while encouraging the development of more competitive destinations.
Let us safeguard our foreign exchange by promoting domestic tourism and giving Ugandan hospitality businesses an opportunity to grow.
Long live General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Long live Dr Sudhir Ruparelia.
The writer is the Head of Research, Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
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