The Fifth Edition for the Pearl Of Africa Tourism Expo 2020 organized by Uganda Tourism Board in partnership with sister Government agencies was launched this Tuesday at Speke Resort Munyonyo where close to 200 guests including Exhibitors, hosted buyers, international and local media, delegates from Government agencies among other guests attended in multitudes to grace the most anticipated biggest tourism Expo of the year on Uganda’s events calendar.
Under the theme ‘’Promoting Intra-Africa Travel’’, the Expo was aimed at availing information about un-utilized tourism opportunities both in Uganda and emerging African travel markets.
This year’s Pearl Of Africa Tourism Expo attracted over 57 hosted buyers, 140 domestic and regional tourism operators who positioned their tourism products and services in a wide exhibition stall as these included; tours and travel companies, Airlines and aviation practitioners , Crafts people, hoteliers, traditional music and dance troupes among many more.
The grand opening was presided over by Rt. Hon. Gen (RTD) Moses Ali also First Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government business in the Parliament of Uganda who also represented His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a speech read for him by Rt. Hon. Moses Ali, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni lauded Uganda Tourism Board for the synergies towards organizing the Pearl Of Africa Tourism Expo 2020, urging that it would go a long way in ‘’expanding business opportunities’’ in the tourism sector for both Uganda and the entire East African region.
The President told delegates to the Expo that Uganda had significantly invested in ‘’Peace and Stability’’, proper road networks, abundant electricity supply, accurate telecommunications and the internet, thus these investments would enable Uganda’s tourism sector to be competitive. He added that without Investment in this critical infrastructure, tourism cannot flourish.
He also revealed that the Government has restored Uganda Airlines to attract tourists into the Country because of the many planned direct routes to Uganda, therefore Tourists and business people alike will have convenient and affordable travel to Uganda thus making us a competitive destination.
The President also appreciated Uganda Tourism Board for the Intra-Africa approach urging that the Ugandan Government attained commendable progress in addressing some of the strategic bottlenecks which hindered the country’s progress and thus, it was time to focus on intra-Africa Travel business.
He concluded saying, Africa has a big market of 1.2 billion people which we as destination Uganda must exploit to our advantage by increasing intra –trade and intra-travel among us.
The new Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime, while addressing guests at the launch commended guests and delegates to invest in the endless tourism opportunities the Pearl Of Africa has in stock.
He said that,’’ Allow me indulge a little bit about, this our Pearl of Africa, especially our tourism industry, a sector overflowing with endless opportunities and unlimited possibilities for everyone- visitors, investors, tour operators, hosted buyers, conservationists, journalists, researchers, cinematographers; everyone!
He continued and said that, ’We have the richest and most diverse range of natural and cultural heritage, complemented by a warm tropical climate, warm people, great accommodations and great food. With a recorded 18,783 species of flora and fauna, Uganda ranks among the top most biodiversity rich countries globally. Uganda is a host to over 50% of the world’s remaining population of Mountain gorillas, 11% of the world’s recorded species of birds (which is 50% of Africa’s bird species richness), 8% of the global mammal diversity (which is 39% of Africa’s mammal richness), 19% of Africa’s Amphibian species richness, 14% of Africa’s reptile species richness and 1,249 recorded species of butterflies. We do offer, probably the best value for money per dollar spent and there is something for everyone- regardless of age, gender, budget, preferences etc. That is probably why the 2019 World Economic Forum, Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index ranked Uganda as the No.1 most price competitive destination in the East African region and the 39th out of 140 countries in the world. Numbers don’t lie. Over the last five years, visitor numbers (arrivals) and leisure visitors, have grown by a compounded annual average rate (CAGR) of 4% and 6% respectively- above regional growth, guaranteeing our investors great returns on their investments’’.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards. If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
