The 8th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) commenced with vibrant celebrations at the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, standing in for President Yoweri Museveni, officiated at the event, marking the beginning of an expo that blends culture, business, and responsible tourism.
With African drums and cultural folktales resonating through the newly inaugurated convention centre, the opening ceremony was a colourful display of Uganda’s rich heritage.
The evening was filled with traditional sounds from Uganda and East Africa, offering guests a soothing introduction to the Pearl of Africa’s cultural essence.
Vice President Alupo, delivering President Museveni’s message, underscored the importance of POATE in evaluating and celebrating the contributions of the private sector, particularly tourism, to Uganda’s development.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing tourism in the national development plans, from NDP I and II to the current NDP III, and into the upcoming NDP IV.
During POATE 2024, visitors had a chance to witness Uganda’s traditional attires up close, gaining insights into the cultural significance of each garment.
The expo highlights how responsible tourism respects and preserves these cultural expressions, ensuring they remain an integral part of Uganda’s identity.
Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, stressed that tourism is vital to Uganda’s economy, offering pathways to sustainable development, conservation, and cultural preservation.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) CEO Lilly Ajarova revealed that the expo has welcomed 70 hosted buyers and over 5,000 trade visitors and consumers. Hosted buyers experienced Uganda’s diverse offerings through organized trips to different regions.
Business Insights
Gessa Simplicious, Public Relations Manager at UTB, explained that POATE 2024 features numerous participants, hosted buyers, exhibitors, and speakers in simultaneous activities.
“We are doing exhibitions, and trade visitors are exploring the stalls to see the additional elements people are showcasing,” he said.
He revealed that on Day 2, several seminar sessions with various speakers covered topics such as responsible tourism and innovative investment strategies.
Experts shared skills and knowledge to improve both government and private sector practices. A dedicated ‘consumer day’ allowed the general public to explore business opportunities and understand how to make impactful investments.
Cultural and Traditional Experience
Guests were treated to cultural dances at the Ndere Cultural Center, showcasing the heritage of Uganda’s 54 tribes. Folktales and local dishes provided a rich cultural immersion. Ajarova remarked that the evening was designed to offer guests a true taste of Uganda’s cultural wealth.
Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki highlighted the symbiotic relationship between airlines and tourism, noting that the fortunes of both sectors are fundamentally linked and complement each other.
POATE 2024 continues to celebrate Uganda’s culture, business potential, and commitment to responsible tourism, making it a standout event in East and Central Africa’s tourism calendar.