Pearl of Africa tourism expo, awards launched

By Solomon Oleny

In her commitment to showcase the world what makes Uganda stand out as cream destination, the Uganda Tourism Board today launched the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo and Tourism Excellence Awards.

Like Kenya's Magical Kenya Tourism Fair and Tanzania's Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, the event will be organized annually will serve as Uganda's signature travel trade fair.

While addressing a press conference at Serena Hotel this morning, James Tumusiime the Board Chairman of UTB noted that the event which is in its second year running, will avail a unique opportunity for the tourism business operators to meet new clients, network and market and discuss business.

"In line with this year's theme of World Tourism Day, "One billion Tourists, one billion opportunities', its prime focus is to increase tourism traffic to Uganda with the intent of creating more opportunities especially in the field of infrastructure and jobs." Tumusiime explains.

According to Edwin Muzahura  the Head of Marketing at the Uganda Tourism Board, the exhibition will be graced by Tourism Boards of Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burudni, South Africa, Mozambique Sychelles, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Botswana, Malawi and Zambia will run from the 17th-20th of November at Serena Kampala Hotel.

The highlight of the event will be the Tourism excellence awards on the 20th of November.
 
Like Ekkula Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards, an initiative that is jointly being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Ekkula, a Non-Governmental Organization, the awards will recognize the key enterprises and personalities in the Subsector that Service and shape the Tourism sector in Uganda.

In a preceding interview with the New Vision, Maria Mutagamba the Minister of Tourism justified her endorsement of both initiatives with the need to reach out to more masses.

The awards come a week before the widely anticipated visit of Pope Francis, which could serve as an opportune period for the tourism industry to cash in.