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Uganda will showcase its tourism offerings at the Open (Outbound) Travel Market (OTM) – Bombay Trade Fair in Mumbai, India, from January 30th to February 2nd, 2025

Uganda is set to take center stage at the upcoming Open (outbound) Travel Market (OTM) -Bombay Trade Fair, one of the largest global travel and tourism expos, scheduled for January 30th to February 2nd, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India.

Speaking at a press conference in Kampala, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, emphasised the significance of this participation, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to diversifying its tourism markets and boosting international visibility.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, contributing to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and community development. Our presence at OTM is a bold step toward increasing global presence and tapping into the lucrative Indian travel market,” Minister Mugarra stated.

India represents one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets globally, with an anticipated 19.4 million departures by 2024.

This surge offers immense potential for Uganda, especially with the availability of direct flights from Entebbe to Mumbai via Uganda Airlines, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Minister Mugarra underscored the strategic importance of engaging the Indian market, citing India’s affinity for wildlife, culture, birding, and unique adventure experiences—products Uganda offers in abundance.

“The Entebbe-Mumbai route is a game-changer. It provides an excellent opportunity to attract Indian travelers to explore Uganda’s unmatched offerings, from gorilla trekking in Bwindi to the breathtaking landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains,” he said.

The OTM-Bombay Trade Fair annually attracts over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, alongside 1,000 top buyers and 4,000 trade visitors.

Uganda’s participation is not only timely but strategic, as the country prepares to host the 2025 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE).

“This is not just a trade fair; it’s an opportunity to position Uganda as a premier destination, form partnerships with international tour operators, and invite hosted buyers to experience our tourism products,” Minister Mugarra noted.

The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Shri Upender Singh Rawat, emphasised the significance of Uganda’s participation at the OTM-Bombay Trade Fair, noting its potential to captivate the Indian market.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Uganda to present ‘Explore the Pearl of Africa’ tourism to the Indian market through a dedicated space. I understand that Uganda is participating for the first time in this expo,” he stated.

” The Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ministry of Tourism, and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators through its representative companies, have a marvelous chance to showcase their unparalleled tourism potential to a dynamic and expanding Indian audience,” he added.

For the first time, Uganda will unveil a dedicated Uganda Pavilion at the fair. The pavilion will showcase the country’s rich culture, diverse tourism offerings, and investment opportunities.

It will also host business-to-business meetings, cultural showcases, and presentations aimed at leaving a lasting impression on global stakeholders.

Uganda’s participation at OTM aligns with the government’s Vision 2040 and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which prioritise tourism as a key driver of economic transformation.

The delegation will focus on fostering sustainable tourism collaborations, promoting the Entebbe-Mumbai route, and enhancing Uganda’s global tourism brand.

Minister Mugarra lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s missions abroad—especially the Mission Uganda in Delhi—and the Ministry of Finance for their support in promoting Uganda’s marketing agenda.

“Our presence at OTM is a moment of pride and opportunity,” Minister Mugarra concluded. “It is a chance to unlock new horizons for Uganda’s tourism and investment sectors, showcasing the Pearl of Africa as a destination of unmatched beauty, culture, and opportunity.”

As Uganda prepares to make its mark at the OTM-Bombay Trade Fair, the nation stands poised to strengthen its ties with India and the South Asian market, unlocking new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and mutual prosperity.