Six groups of hosted buyers have departed from the Sheraton Kampala Hotel for a six-day familiarisation trip across Uganda, in a key build-up activity ahead of an upcoming international tourism and hospitality event.
The curated expedition brings together international travel buyers, tour operators, and industry decision-makers, offering them an immersive experience of Uganda’s tourism attractions, including national parks, wildlife, cultural heritage, and the country’s growing hospitality sector.
Organised in collaboration with the Uganda Tourism Board and industry stakeholders, the trip is aimed at moving beyond traditional marketing by allowing global tourism influencers to experience Uganda first-hand.
“This is where tourism marketing becomes most powerful,” said Juliana Kaggwa of the Uganda Tourism Board. “You can present brochures and videos all day, but nothing compares to standing in the middle of Uganda’s wilderness or engaging with its people and culture firsthand.”
One of the groups will follow a carefully planned safari circuit through some of Uganda’s most visited tourism destinations. The itinerary begins at Lake Mburo National Park, known for its rolling savannah landscapes, zebras, and walking safaris.
From there, the group will proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for one of the country’s most iconic experiences—gorilla trekking. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and remains a key attraction for Uganda’s tourism sector.
The journey will then continue to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” where visitors track chimpanzees in a dense forest environment.
The final leg takes the group to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems, known for its tree-climbing lions, boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, and abundant wildlife.
“We designed this route to give buyers a complete Ugandan safari circuit,” said a local tour operator. “From savannah to rainforest, from gorillas to chimpanzees—it’s a powerful, all-in-one experience.”
The familiarisation trip comes at a critical time as Uganda positions itself as a competitive tourism and investment destination in Africa. By hosting international buyers, stakeholders hope to unlock new partnerships, increase tourist arrivals, and strengthen the country’s global tourism brand.
A participating buyer from Europe said such experiences are transformative.
“We sell destinations every day, but rarely do we get to truly connect with them,” the buyer said. “Seeing gorillas in Bwindi or chimpanzees in Kibale is not just a product—it’s a life-changing experience. That’s what travelers are looking for.”
Industry experts say that buyers who experience destinations first-hand are more likely to promote them confidently and package them for new markets.
“The strongest tourism stories are the ones you live,” said a hospitality stakeholder. “When these buyers return home, they won’t just be selling Uganda—they’ll be sharing memories, emotions, and real connections.”
As the groups travel across different regions of the country, Uganda is banking on these experiences to translate into stronger partnerships, increased visibility, and long-term tourism growth.
