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By Spy Uganda
Uganda has officially opened the 10th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2026 (POATE 2026), marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth and international visibility.
The three-day tourism showcase, taking place from May 21 to 23 at the Speke Resort & Convention Centre, has brought together tourism stakeholders, hosted buyers, investors, exhibitors, development partners, media representatives, and industry leaders from around the world.
Held under the theme “Wanderlust – It’s Your Time to Thrive,” this year’s edition celebrates a decade of promoting Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” while highlighting the country’s growing influence in regional and global tourism markets.
The official opening ceremony was graced by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose presence organizers say underscores the Government of Uganda’s commitment to advancing tourism as a strategic pillar for investment, job creation, and national development.
“This ceremony has brought together tourism leaders, international buyers, exhibitors, investors, media, and development partners to celebrate Uganda’s tourism potential and strengthen sector collaborations,” organizers said during the opening event.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Victoria, the expo has evolved into Uganda’s premier tourism marketing platform, combining destination promotion, business networking, cultural exchange, and investment opportunities under one roof.
Inside the convention halls, exhibitors are showcasing Uganda’s diverse tourism experiences, including wildlife safaris, national parks, adventure tourism, cultural heritage, community tourism initiatives, and luxury hospitality offerings. Key conversations during the expo are expected to focus on aviation connectivity, sustainable tourism, digital travel marketing, film tourism, and expanding into emerging international source markets.
The event also places strong emphasis on business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) engagement, with structured networking sessions aimed at generating partnerships, tourism investment deals, and destination branding opportunities.
One of the highlights of this year’s expo is the inaugural Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards, which will recognize outstanding performers, innovators, and storytellers across the tourism value chain.
Ahead of the expo, international delegates participating in the Hosted Buyers Programme were taken on familiarization tours to some of Uganda’s leading attractions, including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, giving them firsthand experience of the country’s wildlife, hospitality, and tourism potential.
The expo will also feature cultural showcases, culinary experiences, live entertainment, and networking sessions designed to connect local tourism operators with global travel trade partners.
Organizers have announced free public access on May 22 and 23, alongside transport arrangements intended to encourage wider public participation in Uganda’s largest tourism exhibition.
Since its relaunch in November 2025 by Tom Butime, POATE has increasingly positioned itself as a strategic platform for tourism diplomacy, sector innovation, and investment promotion.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Tourism Board, led by Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa, has been overseeing final preparations, with participation confirmed from key stakeholders including Uganda Airlines, hotel chains, tour operators, and regional tourism boards.
As Uganda celebrates a decade of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, industry players say the event represents more than just a tourism exhibition it is a statement of confidence in the country’s future as one of Africa’s most attractive and competitive travel destinations.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/speke-resort-munyonyo-museveni-flags-off-poate-2026-as-uganda-showcases-tourism-potential/
