All set for Uganda’s biggest tourism expo
A general view of tourists at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. PHOTO/COURTESY/EXPLORE UGANDA
What you need to know:
- The theme for this year’s expo is ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, with a focus on climate adaptation and sustainable practices.
Uganda’s biggest tourism event, the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (Poate), is set to take place from Wednesday to Saturday at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo.
Now in its ninth edition, the expo will bring together more than 100 hosted travel buyers to connect with local tourism operators and service providers, exploring Uganda’s unique attractions through discussions and experiential sessions.
The aim is to market the country to potential tourists globally. Mr Vivian Lyazi, the acting commissioner of tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, says the event will engage local, regional, and international travel enthusiasts over four days, featuring various activities. The President is expected to open the expo.
On the opening day, Tourism minister Tom Butime will be joined by regional ministers to discuss ways to strengthen regional tourism partnerships.
The second day will focus on securing resources for investment in tourism. Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia will deliver the keynote speech, followed by a panel discussion involving experts from the World Bank and other stakeholders.
“The conference will provide networking opportunities with key stakeholders from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and other agencies,” Mr Lyazi says.
Marketing tourism will be the major task on the third day, with Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda’s CEO, giving a keynote address. Other speakers include tour operator Amos Wekesa and the event’s organiser, Aly Alibhai. The expo will close with the ‘Pearl Festival’, showcasing Ugandan culture through traditional dance, cuisine, and fashion.
Big Five wildlife
Ahead of the event, hosted tourism buyers and media are on familiarisation trips across the country to experience Uganda’s attractions, from the Big Five wildlife in the national parks to mountain gorilla trekking and the Source of the Nile.
Reader, might want to know that Uganda is home to the Big Five wildlife, namely the lion, elephant, African buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros found in its 10 national parks in addition to game reserves ad conservancies, then mountain gorillas and chimpanzee tracking, friendly people from diverse and rich cultures, a vibrant nightlife, organic culinary offerings, the Source of the mighty River Nile on which tourists enjoy bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, cruises and game drives, mountaineering, and much more.
A total 90 percent of Uganda’s tourist inflows are from the East African region, and then the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom (UK). Despite the country’s tourism potential, Mr Lyazi says the local market remains untapped. “We need to exploit the local market as much as possible. We are working on a mindset change. The middle class is growing and is looking for exciting options to relax. Some of them used to look at Dubai, but we are telling them, ‘Your country is much more beautiful than those other places that you are looking at’, and we are showcasing to them through campaigns like ‘Explore Uganda’,’’ he says.
Theme
The theme for this year’s expo is ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, with a focus on climate adaptation and sustainable practices. “We are emphasising reducing single-use plastics and promoting reusable bottles,” Lyazi adds.
The Ministry of Energy will also showcase green energy solutions. The tourism commissioner calls upon the public to register on the expo online portal, poate2025.com.
