Uganda has received the Best Exquisite Destination Award at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, held February 5-7 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India. The award was presented to Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda who lead delegation Uganda. The UTB team was lead by Board Directors Dr. Margeret Arach Ojara, Vincent Operemo alongisde the technical team from the institution. Other stakeholders in attendance included Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, and private sector.
Juliana Kagwa CEO UTB noted that “Discussions with Indian tour operators, agents, and media have led to new collaborations aimed at promoting Uganda through joint initiatives, with expectations of significant growth in arrivals from the Asian market.”
Operemo Vincent NPA Strategic Planning Manager as well as Board Director was pleased that the award aligned with national priorities outlined in Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a key driver of foreign exchange earnings, employment, and inclusive growth. This brings to life the government strategic interventions of the ATMS (Agro-industrialization, Tourism development, Mineral-based industrialization (including oil and gas), Science, Technology, and Innovation).
OTM, South Asia’s largest travel trade exhibition, drew more than 50,000 professionals and over 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. Uganda’s exhibition focused on its premier attractions, including culture, adventure and wildlife safaris. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda was pleased with the display of team Uganda. She said, “This award underscores Uganda’s distinctive offerings in authentic African tourism and supports the government broader objectives for sustainable economic development.”
Tourism accounts for approximately 7.3 percent of Uganda’s gross domestic product and supports more than 1.5 million jobs. In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, international arrivals increased by 15 percent, generating $1.2 billion in revenue, reflecting strong post-pandemic recovery driven by infrastructure improvements and conservation programs. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This recognition adds to recent international accolades, including Best in Show – Africa at the January 2026 Travel & Adventure Expo in New York, highlighting Uganda’s proactive destination marketing efforts. The country targets 2.5 million annual visitors by 2030, with a focus on diversifying source markets.
The OTM success is seen as a pivotal step in elevating Uganda’s global tourism profile. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda continues to promote its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage to international audiences.
