The first Uganda Tourism Symposium was successfully held yesterday at the Scandic Spectrum Hotel in Copenhagen, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism cooperation between Uganda and the Nordic countries. The high-level event organised by Uganda’s embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the theme: “Building Sustainable Tourism partnerships and Linkages” brought together tourism stakeholders, travel trade professionals, media representatives, and strategic partners with a shared interest in promoting Uganda’s tourism potential in the Scandinavian Countries.
The symposium was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda tour operators, hotel owners who showcased Uganda’s diverse tourism investment opportunities and offerings, including wildlife safaris, cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and sustainable travel experiences. Participants were engaged through presentations and discussions highlighting Uganda’s position as a sustainable and competitive destination in Africa.
Speaking at the event, Daniel Irunga, Senior Brand Officer on behalf of Uganda Tourism Board, emphasized Uganda’s commitment to strengthen partnerships with Nordic travel trade stakeholders. “Destination Uganda is committed to deepening business partnerships with Nordic and Scandinavian tour operators and travel advisors, while positioning the country as a safe, competitive, and sustainable destination for Nordic travellers,” he said.
The symposium also provided a networking platform for business to business engagements, fostering new collaborations aimed at increasing tourist arrivals from the wider Nordic region including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Ambassador Margaret Otteskov, Uganda’s Ambassador to Nordic and Baltic regions of Europe underscored the importance of developing new markets for destination Uganda. “The Nordic market is characterised by a strong outbound travel segment with a growing interest in authentic, nature-based and socially responsible tourism experiences. Through economic and commercial diplomacy, we remain committed to developing this market and strengthening Uganda’s tourism presence in the region,” Ambassador Otteskov said.
Uganda Tourism Symposium in Copenhagen was attended by representatives from the Uganda Tourism Association, Uganda Hotel Association, and private sector stakeholders including Crystal Safaris, Dory’s Tours, Emburara Safaris, Sites Travel, Africa Addict and Safaris