Uganda earned the Best Exquisite Destination Award at the Outbound Tourism Mart 2026, which concluded Saturday in Mumbai.
The three-day exhibition is considered the largest travel trade show in Asia, drawing more than 50,000 participants and representatives from 60 countries.
Joyce Kikafunda, Uganda’s high commissioner to India, accepted the award and credited the achievement to a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uganda Tourism Board and private sector operators.
Uganda’s participation underscores efforts to showcase its unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Kikafunda said.
The event marked Uganda’s second appearance at the trade show as the country seeks to expand its reach in the Asian market. David Elyelu, representing the Uganda Tourism Board, said the country aims to strengthen economic ties with India to help meet long-term national growth goals.
More than 30 private Ugandan tour operators attended the event to build partnerships with Indian counterparts. Officials noted that tourism from India is supported by direct flights between Entebbe and Mumbai operated by Uganda Airlines.
Uganda earned the Best Exquisite Destination Award at the Outbound Tourism Mart 2026, which concluded Saturday in Mumbai.
The three-day exhibition is considered the largest travel trade show in Asia, drawing more than 50,000 participants and representatives from 60 countries.
Joyce Kikafunda, Uganda’s high commissioner to India, accepted the award and credited the achievement to a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uganda Tourism Board and private sector operators.
Uganda’s participation underscores efforts to showcase its unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Kikafunda said.
The event marked Uganda’s second appearance at the trade show as the country seeks to expand its reach in the Asian market. David Elyelu, representing the Uganda Tourism Board, said the country aims to strengthen economic ties with India to help meet long-term national growth goals.
More than 30 private Ugandan tour operators attended the event to build partnerships with Indian counterparts. Officials noted that tourism from India is supported by direct flights between Entebbe and Mumbai operated by Uganda Airlines
The exhibition followed a promotional roadshow that visited New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai earlier this month. Kikafunda said the embassy in New Delhi aims to increase the number of Indian visitors to Uganda from 43,000 to 100,000 by 2027.
Richard Kabonero, head of regional economic cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said aggressive marketing under the nation’s economic diplomacy strategy has yielded encouraging results in both tourist arrivals and foreign investment.
Private sector participants also noted the potential for growth. Vincent Mugaba of Nandi Adventures praised the government’s coordination of international exhibitions, while Ronald Muvunyi of Kajie Safaris said the Indian market is particularly attractive because travelers from the region often visit in large groups.
Barbara Baruka of Crystal Safaris said that while many Indians are familiar with Uganda, more work is needed to promote the country specifically as a leisure destination.
Government officials view tourism as a primary driver for Uganda’s goal to grow its economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.
Uganda’s tourism sector is experiencing strong growth in 2025, with earnings projected to reach Shs 5.8 trillion, a 13.1% increase over the previous year. The sector, supported by a Shs 430 billion budget allocation, is focusing on enhancing infrastructure, diversifying tourist products, and accelerating the “Explore Uganda “ brand to become a top African destination.
Tourism now contributes over 3.6% to Uganda’s GDP and supports nearly one in seven jobs.The government has significantly increased funding for the sector to Shs 430 billion for FY2025/26, up from Shs 289.6 billion in 2024/25.The newly launched National Tourism Policy 2025 focuses on transforming the industry through digitalization, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) markets, and preparing for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
The country is actively working toward its “Ten-Fold Growth Strategy,” which aims to significantly increase annual visitor numbers and revenue by 2040