UTB Postpones Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo to April 2023

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) that had been scheduled to happen between February 8 – 11, 2023, has been postponed to April 26 – 28, 2023.

According to Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the rescheduling of the event will allow a comprehensive engagement and participation of stakeholders.

UTB notes that this year’s edition is particularly critical because it seeks to reposition destination Uganda through transformational marketing of all the country’s tourism offering post the pandemic.

POATE is an annual signature event for Uganda that offers a platform to market and propel the growth of the tourism sector.

Commenting on the matter, the Chairman of Board UTB, Hon. Migereko Daudi, notes that with preparations in high gear, the extension will enable a comprehensive arrangement that provides sufficient time for participation.

He revealed that the expo will feature national, regional and international exhibitors, Business to Business and Business to Consumer meetings, and hosted buyer familiarisation trips, among many activities, saying the postponement gives enough time for all-inclusive participation.

UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova, explained that with the Expo, closer ties between Uganda and the major international tourism source markets will be fostered.

“It will open up new tourist markets for both intra-African and international travel. The participation from a wide range of tourism trade partners hosted buyers, local and international media, tour operators, travel agencies and other tourism-related organisations is important to the growth of the sector,” she revealed.

Uganda Tourism Board anticipates the participation of over 100 hosted buyers, and 300 exhibitors that include tourism boards and corporate entities. The expo envisages hosting more than 5,000 trade visitors and consumers to attend over three days.