The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), in partnership with the Uganda High Commission in Canada, is participating in the Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit in Victoria, Canada, an international forum bringing together tourism boards, Indigenous tourism leaders, conservation organisations, destination managers, as well as media and technology experts.
The summit serves as a platform for dialogue on the future of sustainable tourism, with discussions focused on community-led tourism models, creating meaningful visitor experiences beyond physical infrastructure, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in how destinations are discovered, promoted, and trusted by travellers.
UTB officials say the conversations at the summit closely align with Uganda’s tourism development agenda, which prioritises authenticity, community benefit, and environmental conservation as key drivers of growth.
“Tourism today is no longer just about hotels and attractions. It is about people, culture, trust, and meaningful connections. These discussions reaffirm the need to strengthen Uganda’s tourism offering around authentic cultural experiences, community empowerment, and care for nature,” UTB said in a statement.
Uganda’s participation also highlights the country’s commitment to responsible tourism practices that support local communities while safeguarding natural and cultural heritage.
The country’s tourism model is increasingly centred on ensuring that host communities are active partners and direct beneficiaries of tourism development.
Officials further noted the growing importance of emerging technologies, particularly AI, in shaping how travellers research destinations, assess credibility, and make travel decisions.
They stressed the need for destinations like Uganda to remain visible, credible, and competitive in an evolving global travel market.
The Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit brings together stakeholders committed to building a tourism industry that balances economic growth with social inclusion and environmental stewardship.
Uganda’s presence at the summit is expected to strengthen international partnerships, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and position the country as a leading sustainable tourism destination anchored in culture, community, and conservation.
