Writer, Social Media Reporter, an advocate for journalism for development & change. A dedicated wildlife enthusiast with a passion for nature and conservation.
One of the companies that has caught my attention at #Poate2026 is Exclusive Sustainable Tour Operators Association Uganda
These are championing a future where tourism and conservation grow hand in hand.
The association brings together tour operators committed to responsible tourism, community inclusion, and environmental conservation.
Through education, partnerships, and advocacy, ESTOA continues to position Uganda as a destination that protects its wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local communities.
#ExploreUganda
#Wanderlust
POATE Day 3: Our CEO, @JulzKagwa, together with members of the private sector, flagged off a team of Ugandan bikers embarking on a journey across 6 European countries to showcase the Pearl of Africa to international audiences.
In partnership with the Uganda Bikers Association, we aim to take the @ExploreUganda brand beyond borders, with the bikers serving as moving billboards in Europe promoting Uganda as a premier adventure tourism destination.
#ThePearlOnWheels| #ExploreUganda | #POATE2026
"Uganda has officially obtained the rights to host AFCON for the year 2027, and through sports tourism, we expect to not even double but triple the number of our visitors next year because of the Africa Cup of Nations." 🎙️Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, Chairperson, Uganda Tourism Board.
#POATE2026 | #ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust
Join us for these 3 days of #POATE2026
📍 21st to 23 rd May 2026
We are live at @SRCC_Uganda@spekeresort for the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo.
B2B engagements, exhibitions, meetings, conferences, presentations among others, is what you should expect.
#POATE2026#Wanderlust #ExploreUganda
Stakeholders in Film and Tourism have convened at the #POATE2026 to explore the growing influence of film, media, and storytelling in destination marketing and tourism promotion.
The session is highlighting the critical role creative industries continue to play in shaping global perceptions, driving cultural appreciation, and inspiring travel to Uganda and the wider region.
#ExploreUganda | #Wanderlust
HAPPENING NOW: Day 1 of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2026 #POATE2026 is underway at the Speke Resort Munyonyo. Led by Uganda High Commission Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanian hosted travel agents and buyers are holding B2B engagements with some of the tour operators at the exhibition hall.
At #POATE2026, Zelda Coetzee, Chief Imagineer at Inua Event Academy, highlights how business events are reshaping modern wanderlust by turning conferences into immersive destination experiences.
She explains that the value of a conference goes far beyond the meeting room, from post conference tours to cultural festivals, food experiences, and networking opportunities that encourage delegates to return long after the event ends.
With an estimated 450 delegates likely to revisit in the coming years, Zelda calls on tourism operators to work closely with Professional Conference Organisers to create structured experience driven packages that position Uganda and Africa as globally competitive MICE destinations.
#Wanderlust #ExploreUganda #POATE2026
We support the crackdown on illegal deforestation in Bugoma Forest. The law must prevail.
Bugoma is vital for wildlife, communities, tourism, and climate.
Protect it now.
#Bugoma4Tourism#ConservationAction#BugomaForFuture
Ms. Kakooza highlighted challenges: brand inconsistency, low global visibility (65%), overreliance on regional markets, and gaps in crisis communication. Strategic interventions are needed to change perception.
#CEOForumUG2025#ShapingTheNation
During Day 3 panel session, James Musinguzi highlights Uganda’s efforts to restore lions, focusing on science-based interventions, community engagement, and protection measures to save this iconic species.
#CEOForumUG2025#ShapingTheNation
Tourism is a priority in Uganda’s energy strategy.
PS Irene Pauline Bateebe:
“As we extend the grid to the remaining 40% of Ugandans, we are deliberately targeting tourist sites as productive centers of energy use.”
#CEOForumUG2025#ShapingTheNation
I’ve been a tourism professional since 1999.
At the recent investor retreat, it was clear connectivity and infrastructure remain key priorities for Uganda’s tourism growth.’ ~ Pearl Kakooza
#CEOForumUg2025#ShapingTheNation
Ms. Doreen S. Katusiime, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, highlights investments in tourism infrastructure across Uganda, including the Rwenzori mountains, to strengthen sites and grow Uganda’s brand as the ‘Pearl of Africa.
#CEOForumUg2025#ShapingTheNation
Key tourist destinations are hard to reach due to poor infrastructure and limited flight connections within the country, which, as discouraged tourists, states Mr. Mike Sanders at the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat @PCF_Uganda