The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA) has officially launched the 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025, scheduled to take place from May 21st to 24th, 2025, at Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, Kampala.

POATE is Uganda’s premier tourism and trade expo, bringing together industry stakeholders, global buyers, investors, and media to showcase the country’s rich tourism offerings to the world.

A Platform for Sustainable Tourism and Growth

Speaking at the launch, Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), emphasised the expo’s significance in promoting Uganda as a top global travel destination.

“POATE serves as a vital bridge, connecting Uganda’s tourism industry to international markets. This year’s theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ highlights our dedication to fostering innovation and ensuring Uganda remains a must-visit destination,” Ajarova stated.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Doreen Kansiime, underscored the expo’s role in Uganda’s ambitious tourism growth strategy, which aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP tenfold, or even twenty-five times, in the coming years.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our vision. Uganda is positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading champions of sustainable tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities,” Kansiime noted.