Uganda Named Most Promising New Destination at OTM Tourism Expo

Uganda has been named the Most Promising New Destination at the Outbound Travel Market (OTM) Bombay, a prestigious Indo-Asia Tourism Expo.

The OTM Tourism Expo, held from January 30 to February 1, 2025, is an annual event that attracts numerous sellers and buyers of tourism products.

This year’s event has placed Destination Uganda at the forefront of the potentially largest tourism and travel market in the world.

Nine Ugandan Destination Marketing Companies (DMCs) participated in the expo, representing “Destination Uganda.” These companies were Busunga Tours & Travel Ltd, Moments Beyond Borders, Country Sights, Nandi Adventures, Ameera Africa Safaris, Speke Uganda Holidays, Crystal Safaris & Lodges, and Uganda Safari Company (Wild Places Africa).

Uganda’s pavilion was evaluated as the best exhibitor based on a pre-determined criterion that included clientele feedback. This was presented to Ugandan High Commissioner to India, H.E. Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, by Mr. Sanjav Agarwal, Chairman and CEO of Fairfest Media Ltd.

The country emerged as the most visited and highly rated stand by outbound and inbound tourism market sellers and buyers.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s participation in the expo achieved its objective of positioning the country as an alternative tourism destination in Africa. The country showcased its unique products, including primate tracking, bird watching, cultural heritage, safaris, and adventure tourism.

The Ministry added that the New Delhi Mission will ensure that tourism contributes to Uganda’s economic growth ambitions, aiming to increase the economy 10-fold to USD 500 billion within the next 15 years.

In the next two months, the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi will organize a familiarization trip for leading tour operators from India. The mission will also target influencers, including travel and tour magazines, Bollywood film actors, and producers, to promote Uganda’s tourism industry.

The launch of Uganda Airlines’ direct flights between Entebbe and Mumbai since October 2023 has incentivized travel to Uganda for tourism, trade, and investment.