tourism 27 February 2026 Uganda Tourism Board
Uganda Showcases 'Pearl of Africa' Tourism in European Market Expansion
Uganda has concluded a series of tourism roadshows across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg (BENELUX) as part of its strategy to attract European travelers and boost investment in the 'Pearl of Africa'. Source: https://utb.go.ug/the-pearl-of-africa-taken-to-benelux-markets-in-european-push
Uganda is making a concerted effort to bolster its presence in the European tourism market with recent roadshows held across the BENELUX region (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg). These events, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), aim to position Uganda as a prime destination for sustainable and competitive tourism.
The “Pearl of Africa” initiative seeks to foster stronger investment ties between Uganda and key European markets. The roadshows signify a collaborative approach, bringing together government bodies like the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and private sector tour operators.
Ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow emphasized the critical role of tourism in Uganda’s economic development, highlighting its contribution to foreign exchange, job creation, and empowerment. These European engagements are designed to expand Uganda’s tourism footprint and accelerate its impact on national growth.
The BENELUX region was specifically targeted due to its strong outbound travel culture and a growing appetite for authentic, nature-based, and sustainable travel experiences, which align well with Uganda’s offerings.
Juliana Kagwa, CEO of UTB, stated that these coordinated efforts enhance Uganda’s visibility and address the specific needs of different market segments. The goal is to ensure Uganda competes at the highest level internationally, bringing tangible economic benefits back home.
These roadshows are part of a larger, ongoing strategy to attract high-value visitors from Europe who can become ambassadors for Uganda’s unique attractions, including adventure, nature, and cultural tourism.
Source: https://utb.go.ug/the-pearl-of-africa-taken-to-benelux-markets-in-european-push