Uganda has postponed the annual Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), scheduled to hold between February 8 – 11, 2023 to April 26 – 29th, 2023.
According to a press release by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the rescheduling of the event will allow a comprehensive engagement and participation of stakeholders.
It said this POATE edition is particularly critical because it seeks to reposition destination Uganda through transformational marketing of all the country’s tourism offering post the pandemics. POATE is an annual signature event for Uganda that offers a platform to market and propel growth of the tourism sector.
The Chairman 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. “Over the years, POATE has given stakeholders of the tourism industry a unique chance to network, meet new clients and discuss business opportunities,” he said. The expo will feature national, regional and international exhibitors, Business to Business and Business to Consumer meetings, hosted buyer familiarisation trips, among many activities. 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 participation of over 100 hosted buyers, 300 exhibitors that include tourism boards and corporate entities. The expo envisages hosting more than 5,000 trade visitors and consumers to attend over the three days.
