The 5th Annual Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2020 ended on an optimistic note on Thursday. The Expo has been running from February 4th, with both business-to-business and business-to-customer engagements on the schedule.’
The event took place at Speke Resort Munyonyo which is about 40km from Entebbe International Airport. The Expo attracted over 57 international buyers and 140 domestic and regional tourism operators, as well as international and domestic media.
The Expo ran under the theme, “Promoting Intra-Africa Travel” with an emphasis on raising awareness at the vast potential of Africa’s travel industry.
Rt. Hon. Gen (Rtd.) Moses Ali, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament officially opened POATE on behalf of President Museveni.
Lilly Ajarova, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) told delegates that Uganda was full of abundant tourism opportunities characterized by the richest tourism attractions portfolio, best value for money for investors and tourists alike and therefore healthy returns on investment.
She also sold the accessibility of Uganda, touting the government’s investment in transport infrastructure.
“It is now easier to get into Uganda by air from virtually anywhere around the world with 32,735 flights in and out of Uganda in financial year 2019. With Uganda Airlines, there will be faster and more convenient direct routes especially from Africa. Today, it is also easier to get around by air, road, and water,” she said.
Ajarova also received a Global Tourism Personalities Award African Toursim Board. Mr. Alain St. Ange, the President of ATB present the award.
