Uganda has made a strong impression at the International Tourism Exhibition and Conference, “Turkmen Travel 2026,” currently taking place in Ashgabat, as it seeks to expand its global tourism footprint and deepen engagement with new international markets.
The country’s participation is being coordinated by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran, which is also accredited to Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Uganda, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Uganda Tourism Board.
Officials described the participation as a deliberate tourism diplomacy strategy aimed at penetrating emerging markets in Central Asia, strengthening bilateral relations, and positioning Uganda as a premier global travel destination.
Uganda stands out as the only African country represented at the Expo, marking a historic debut on the high-level international platform and signalling the country’s growing ambition to diversify its tourism source markets beyond traditional regions.
The Ugandan delegation is led by Ambassador Twaha Matata, and includes Mr Geoffrey Sseremba, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, alongside a team of prominent Ugandan tour operators showcasing curated travel experiences.
The Uganda pavilion has attracted considerable attention from visitors and exhibitors alike, with organisers highlighting the country’s exceptional biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters as major points of interest.
A key highlight of the exhibition was the official visit to the Uganda pavilion by H.E. Seyidova Bahar Hojamuradovna, a gesture that Ugandan officials say reflects growing international interest in the country’s tourism offering and strengthens prospects for future bilateral cooperation.
During interactions with visitors at the pavilion, Ambassador Matata extended a warm invitation to tourists from Turkmenistan and the wider Central Asian region, promoting Uganda as a diverse and accessible destination.
He highlighted Uganda’s “irresistible flora and fauna,” noting that the country offers a rare combination of experiences ranging from savannah wildlife safaris to mountain adventures and cultural heritage tourism.
Among the standout attractions showcased were the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, famously referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” the dramatic landscapes surrounding the Source of the Nile, and the globally renowned mountain gorilla experiences in Uganda’s protected forest parks.
Uganda’s appeal as a nature-based tourism destination was further emphasised through its unique wildlife assets, particularly the endangered Mountain gorilla, which remains one of the country’s most sought-after attractions for international visitors.
Officials at the pavilion also used the platform to explore potential bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan in areas of tourism development, cultural exchange, and education partnerships.
Discussions reportedly included opportunities to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Ugandan delegation noted that tourism remains a key pillar of the country’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy agenda, with a focus on expanding visibility in underexplored markets such as Central Asia.
As the Expo continues in Ashgabat, Uganda is expected to hold further engagements with travel industry stakeholders, tour operators, and government representatives from participating countries, with the aim of forging partnerships that could translate into increased tourist arrivals and investment in the sector.
Uganda’s participation at Turkmen Travel 2026 is being viewed by officials as a strategic step in broadening the country’s global tourism narrative and reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most diverse and competitive travel destinations.