Kampala, (UG):- Former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hon Daudi Migereko has praised the meticulous and successful organization of the 8th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2024, East Africa’s premier tourism event.
The highly anticipated event, which took place from May 23rd to May 25th, 2024, was held under the theme “Responsible Tourism” and was hosted by the Uganda Tourism Board, led by Ms Lilly Ajarova, the Chief Executive Officer.
In an e-mail to industry players, Mr Migereko, who is also the Chairman Emeritus of the UTB, praised the excellent facilities provided by the Speke Resort Convention Centre and commended the National Organising Committee, the Ministry of Tourism leadership, UTB Board and Management, sister agencies and the private sector for the efforts and teamwork.
The newly inaugurated Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo, offered a premier venue for the event, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional services. The centre’s spacious exhibition halls, modern conference rooms, and luxurious accommodation options ensured a seamless and successful event.
“We were able to visit the exhibition hall, interacted with the exhibitors and attended the closing ceremony presided over by the Permanent Secretary Madam Doreen Katusiime. Prof Kamuntu graced the function amongst other dignitaries. POATE 2024 has been a great success,” he wrote.
“We must commend NOC, the Ministry of Tourism leadership, UTB Board and Management, sister Agencies and the private sector for the efforts and teamwork that made it possible for them to deliver this huge success we have witnessed at POATE 2024.”
According to Migereko, the government was obviously supportive in form of timely release of required funds and the new Speke Resort Convention Centre and facilities at Munyonyo played a major role and turned POATE 2024 into a world tourism event the country is proud of.
“All I can say is that let us build on this success and we shall be able to propel our tourism to greater heights,” he concluded.
The 2024 edition of POATE featured a range of activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and familiarization trips (Fam Trips). The exhibitions showcased the best of Uganda’s tourism offerings, including national parks, game reserves, cultural heritage sites, and local crafts.
The workshops and seminars provided a platform for industry experts to share knowledge and best practices on responsible tourism, sustainable development, and cultural heritage conservation.
According to Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Tom Butime, the government is committed to supporting the tourism industry and promoting responsible tourism practices.
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