"These people will explore Uganda – the Pearl of Africa and thereafter include our beautiful destination in their Africa itineraries in the next few months." Lily Ajarova
Image: UTB
Over 300 exhibitors will showcase at this year’s 7th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo at Speake resort Munyonyo from 26th – 29th April 2023 under the theme “Explore Uganda The Pearl of Africa”
According to Lilly Ajarova CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, they have invited 100 African specialist tour operators (hosted buyers). “These people will explore Uganda – the Pearl of Africa and thereafter include our beautiful destination in their Africa itineraries in the next few months. That way, Uganda will receive more travelers and its associated benefits including increased tourism revenue and employment”, she said.
She revealed that their guests will come from countries including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
“We are being very strategic on whom we are inviting on this ticket, in tourism you have to be very strategic on whom you want to sell your destination to, she added.
Bradford Ochieng, the deputy CEO, UTB noted that they are prepared and upbeat about the 4-day signature event especially now that the sector is moving towards full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the World Tourism &Travel Council (WTTC), the global tourism sector is now recovered to 65% of the pre-pandemic arrivals. Full recovery of the sector is expected in 2023 and beyond.
This year’s Expo will not only point to our recovery but also highlight to the world our readiness to fully host the tourism community once again, Mr. Ochieng added.
According to UTB Marketing manager Claire Mugabi, local companies will partner with UGX500,000 to participate in the event while regional and international companies will pay UGX1,900,000.
Tourism Boards will benefit from the package of USD$5,000 that will see them bring along at least 8 co-exhibitors. Domestic Trade visitors will pay
UGX100,000 while international trade visitors will pay USD$50 per day.
Highlights of some of the key activities for POATE 2023;
- The Expo will feature the emerging issues of Sustainability and Responsible tourism.
- It will be headlined by 5 tourism seminars on tourism investment, Sustainability, MICE, and innovation.
- Three days of the expo will be dedicated to Business-to-Business meetings with the participants and the last day dedicated to consumers.
- Side-line events for networking with exhibitors, tourism boards, and associations.
- Familiarization trips within the country to create awareness of the destinations’ value proposition.
- It will also offer a Perfect opportunity to introduce the Pearl of Africa Brand to all 5,000 participants and millions of Ugandans.