The President of Uganda inaugurates the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Exhibition at the Spec Munyonyo Resort

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah

President Yoweri Museveni officially opened the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Exhibition at the Spec Munyonyo Resort, marking another milestone in strengthening Uganda's position as a leading tourist destination in AfricaThis paves the way for Uganda's tourism sector to launch strongly into global markets under the slogan “Love of travel“.

Tourism industry leaders, exhibitors and enthusiasts gather to celebrate the beauty and promising potential of Africa's pearl.

The exhibition attracts key players in the global tourism sector.

The exhibition, which will take place from May 21 to 23, 2026, attracts buyers, investors, media representatives, and tourism industry stakeholders from around the world. Organized by the Uganda Tourism Authority, the exhibition brings together business-to-business networking opportunities to showcase Uganda’s diverse tourism offerings and facilitate business relationships.

Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Botham, said the event highlights the role of tourism as an engine for economic growth, job creation and environmental conservation.

He added during the opening ceremony: “Tourism is not just an economic sector, but a driving force for change, as it supports our communities and creates opportunities for growth.”.

Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Authority, stated that the tenth edition comes at a time when Uganda’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong recovery.

She said: “We call on the world to reconnect with Uganda, a country of resilience, diversity and opportunity. This is a pivotal moment for our tourism sector to flourish through collaboration, innovation and targeted marketing.”.

For the first time, the exhibition will include a dedicated food exhibit showcasing the diversity of Ugandan cuisine, reflecting the growing importance of food tourism, while organizers stressed the need for exhibitors to obtain certification from the Uganda National Standards Authority to ensure quality.

The 2026 edition will focus more on the commercial side, with exhibitors expected to market their packages and secure confirmed bookings during the 3-day event.

The Irish Tourism Authority confirmed that it had contacted major international buyers and tourism industry specialists early on to ensure high-level participation.

The Spec Monyonio Resort, which has hosted the Non-Aligned Movement and Group of 77 and China summits, provides a venue for the exhibition.

Officials noted improvements in Uganda's tourism infrastructure, with increased investment in roads, connectivity and marketing.

The Uganda Tourism Authority announced that the exhibition aims to boost the growth of Uganda’s tourism sector by promoting interactive experiences, cultural offerings and global partnerships, and is expected to enhance Uganda’s position as a competitive and sustainable tourist destination on the world stage.