Officials from the Tourism ministry, UTB, private investors and tourism promotion agencies at the launch which took place today at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The highly coveted Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) for the year 2025 has been unveiled.
Since its inception eight years ago by the Uganda Tourism Board, POATE has become a significant forum for sharing knowledge and experiences linking academia with industry practitioners, travel agencies, tourism boards, and hospitality entrepreneurs.
Doreen Kansiime, the Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, who launched the Expo on behalf of the Tourism minister, Tom Butime, said the 9th edition of renowned expo will take place between 21st to 24th May 2025, at the state-of-the-art Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda.
She said this time around, the expo is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA), together with its Agencies including the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Uganda Museum and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in partnership with Talent Africa Group.
“Just like before, the expo will be a one stop center for those intending to invest in Uganda’s tourism industry, those trying to get buyers for their tourism-related products, as well as enthusiasts who have come to believe in Uganda’s tourism potential,” said Kansiime.
She also launched the “Tell Your Story – Explore Uganda” Campaign, an initiative that encourages Ugandans to share their most captivating tourism experiences through videos, photos and written content.
“This campaign aims to foster nationwide engagement in domestic tourism, inviting citizens to narrate their unique experiences and promote the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes and cultures through an immersive audio-visual journey,” said Kansiime.
She said this year’s expo, which will be held under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” aims to bring together tourism stakeholders, international buyers, investors and media representatives to experience the diverse offerings of Uganda’s tourism sector.
Officials who attended the media launch of the 9th edition of POATE at Munyonyo
The event will also serve as a platform to showcase Uganda’s unique attractions and experiences, enhancing its visibility on the international tourism map.
The 2025 edition will host 70 selected international buyers, over 5,000 trade visitors, and a diverse range of exhibitors from around the world, enabling robust Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) interactions.
Vivian Lyazi, the Commissioner for Tourism Development in the ministry of Tourism, said the upcoming expo will highlight the increasing importance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, aligning with emerging global trends in travel and hospitality.
He said attendees will immerse themselves in an exciting lineup of activities including destination marketing presentations, expert panel discussions, media engagement opportunities, and immersive cultural showcases.
With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, POATE 2025 aims to foster meaningful collaborations among tourism stakeholders, policymakers and private sector players to advance the industry.
Expected at the do are international and local exhibitors, travel professionals, influencers and media representatives.
“We encourage all these and more to participate in this landmark event to uncover new business prospects and explore Uganda’s unmatched tourism potential,” said Lyazi.
POATE is an annual flagship event designed to position Uganda as a leading global tourism destination. The expo provides an invaluable platform for industry players to engage in high-level networking, create business partnerships, and explore investment opportunities.
