Uganda Honored with 'Best Exquisite Destination' Award at India's OTM 2026

Uganda’s tourism sector has been recognized on the international stage, receiving the ‘Best Exquisite Destination Award’ at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026. The event, held in Mumbai, India, from February 5th to 7th, saw Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, accept the accolade on behalf of the nation.

The Ugandan delegation, which included representatives from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, and the private sector, highlighted the country’s premier attractions. These include its vibrant culture, thrilling adventure opportunities, and world-renowned wildlife safaris.

Juliana Kagwa, CEO of UTB, expressed optimism about the new collaborations forged with Indian tour operators and media. These partnerships are expected to significantly boost arrivals from the Asian market, aligning with Uganda’s national development goals.

Vincent Operemo, a UTB Board Director, noted the award’s alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which identifies tourism as a crucial engine for foreign exchange, job creation, and economic growth. This achievement directly supports strategic government initiatives focused on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, and science and innovation.

OTM, recognized as South Asia’s largest travel trade exhibition, attracted over 50,000 professionals and 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. Uganda’s presence aimed to enhance its profile as a premier tourist destination.

Ambassador Kikafunda emphasized that the award validates Uganda’s distinct ‘authentic African tourism’ experience and supports the government’s broader objectives for sustainable economic development.

Tourism currently contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy, accounting for about 7.3% of the GDP and supporting over 1.5 million jobs. In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, international arrivals saw a 15% increase, generating $1.2 billion in revenue, a testament to effective destination marketing and national conservation efforts. Uganda is particularly famed for being home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

This recent award follows another significant recognition, ‘Best in Show – Africa,’ received at the January 2026 Travel & Adventure Expo in New York, underscoring Uganda’s successful destination marketing strategies. The nation aims to attract 2.5 million visitors annually by 2030, diversifying its source markets.

Referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda continues its efforts to promote its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, with this OTM award marking a pivotal step in elevating its global tourism standing.

Source: Uganda Tourism Board (https://utb.go.ug/uganda-receives-otm-2026-best-exquisite-destination-award-in-india)