Uganda Must Seal Tourism Deals Domestically to Attract More Visitors

Ugandans recently felt a surge of pride seeing the ‘Explore Uganda’ campaign on a bus in Italy, sparking widespread social media buzz. This visibility marks a strategic push by the Uganda Tourism Board to promote the country in key global markets through expos, partnerships, and targeted campaigns.

However, mere exposure isn’t enough. The board has welcomed delegations from countries like Turkey, China, Egypt, and Canada on familiarisation trips. These visits allow influencers, media, and tour operators to experience attractions such as Murchison Falls and gorilla trekking in Bwindi firsthand, turning them into advocates who promote Uganda as a must-visit destination.

High-profile examples, like the Game of Thrones actress sharing her Ugandan adventure, highlight the country’s emotional appeal. To capitalize on this, the board collaborates with foreign missions to foster diplomacy and business ties.

Central to this effort is the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), which flips the script by bringing global buyers to Uganda. Here, discussions from international fairs like ITB Berlin evolve into concrete itineraries and bookings, positioning POATE as a potential East African tourism hub.

Success demands collective action across hospitality, transport, agriculture, and culture. Uganda must not only get noticed worldwide but also create seamless, enticing experiences that encourage visitors to come and linger.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)