Entebbe, Uganda -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/28/2010 -- Members of the East African Community should focus on to promote tourism in each other’s countries. Kenya Tourism Minister Najib Balala has said.

“We members of the East African Community should look at joint tourism promotion if the region is to achieve sustainable tourism.” Hon. Balala said

“Several of his colleagues in the Kenyan cabinet visit tourism sites in the other member countries.” Balala added.

He made this call during the launch of the Lake Victoria Serena Resort the second of the kind hotel in Uganda of The Serena Group of Hotels where he was invited as one of the guests at the function.

The new resort has 124 rooms and conference facilities. But work is going on to build 54 houses and 90 apartments. Also under construction are a golf course and a marina.

The launch was attended by Uganda’s Cabinet ministers, diplomats, visiting Kenyan government officials, led by the tourism minister Najib Balala plus several members of the Ugandan business community.

The launch function was led by the trade and tourism minister, Kahinda Otafiire who represented President Museveni.

The resort, which is part of the Aga Khan economic empire, lies on an expansive piece of land measuring 275 acres on the shores of Lake Victoria and has been seen as a big boost to the tourism and hospitality industry in Uganda.

The land, which belonged to the Ranch on the Lake Hotel until about four years ago when Serena Group bought it, cost $20m (about sh40b). Another $30m (sh60b) is earmarked to complete the construction.

“They opposed it saying it will bring competition. But these people are not even selfish enough. Why would they not want to sell in a bigger market and stick to their small one?” Otafiire asked.

Otafire who re-echoed Balala’s call of joint tourism, criticized those opposed to the East African Community, saying they erroneously thought they were protecting their own interests, yet they are undermine their progress in the industry.

Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Murchison Falls Parks for Investment

Otafiire also reaffirmed that Uganda had also resolved to open up Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Murchison Falls Parks for investment.