Ashgabat, Turkmenistan — Uganda has made a resounding impact at the International Tourism Exhibition and Conference “Turkmen Travel 2026”, currently underway in Ashgabat.
The country’s participation is coordinated by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran, also accredited to Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Uganda Tourism Board. This outreach is a deliberate endeavour to expand tourism diplomacy, penetrate new markets, and cement Uganda’s position as a premier global travel destination.
Uganda stands out as the sole African country represented at the Expo, marking a landmark debut on this high-level platform – a testament to its intentional international tourism outreach.
The Ugandan delegation is led by Amb. Twaha Matata also comprises Mr Geoffrey Sseremba, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and a team of prominent tour operators.
The Uganda pavilion has garnered considerable attention because of the extraordinary biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife experiences being showcased.
The Uganda Pavilion was honoured by the visit of H.E. Seyidova Bahar Hojamuradovna, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan, underscoring the growing affinity for Uganda’s tourism offerings and fortifying bilateral engagement.
While addressing the visitors to the pavilion, Amb. Matata extended Uganda’s warm welcome to tourists from Turkmenistan and the region, boasting an extraordinary tourism potential encompassing irresistible flora and fauna, majestic natural attractions such as the snow-capped Mt. Rwenzori, the breathtaking Source of the Nile, and the majestic Mountain Gorillas.
Uganda is pursuing substantive bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan, exploring prospective agreements in tourism development and cultural exchange, as well as strategic engagements with the Ministry of Education to foster meaningful people-to-people connections.