Uganda has won the Best Exquisite Destination Award at the 2026 Outbound Travel Mart (OTM), held from February 5 to 7 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, marking a significant boost to the country’s international tourism standing.
The award was presented to Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, who led the Ugandan delegation to the event.
The delegation included Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) directors Dr. Margeret Arach Ojara and Vincent Operemo, alongside technical experts and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, and private sector stakeholders.
Uganda’s participation focused on positioning the country as a premier destination for leisure, adventure, and wildlife tourism, targeting the fast-growing Asian travel market.
UTB Chief Executive Juliana Kagwa said engagements with Indian tour operators, travel agents, and media professionals had yielded new partnerships expected to increase visitor arrivals from Asia.
She said the discussions were a key step in expanding Uganda’s reach within international travel circuits and strengthening destination awareness.
Vincent Operemo, who serves as Strategic Planning Manager at the National Planning Authority and as a UTB board director, described the award as consistent with Uganda’s long-term development agenda under Vision 2040.
He noted that tourism remains a critical driver of foreign exchange earnings, employment, and inclusive economic growth, supported by strategic interventions in agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral-based industrialisation, and science and innovation.
OTM 2026, South Asia’s largest travel trade exhibition, attracted more than 50,000 industry professionals and featured over 2,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries.
Uganda’s stand was among the highlights, showcasing the country’s cultural heritage, adventure tourism offerings, and globally recognised wildlife experiences.
Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda said the award reflected Uganda’s unique appeal in authentic African tourism and reinforced the government’s broader objectives for sustainable economic development.
She praised the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the private sector in promoting Uganda’s tourism brand internationally.
Tourism remains a major contributor to Uganda’s economy, accounting for approximately 7.3 percent of gross domestic product and supporting over 1.5 million jobs.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, international tourist arrivals increased by 15 percent, generating an estimated $1.2 billion in revenue as the sector continued its post-pandemic recovery.
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, a key attraction that anchors its conservation-led tourism strategy.
The OTM 2026 award adds to a growing list of international recognitions for Uganda, including being named Best in Show – Africa at the January 2026 Travel and Adventure Expo in New York.
These accolades highlight the country’s sustained destination marketing efforts and commitment to responsible tourism.
Looking ahead, Uganda is targeting 2.5 million annual visitors by 2030, with a strategic emphasis on diversifying source markets.
The OTM 2026 win is expected to further enhance Uganda’s visibility and strengthen its positioning as the Pearl of Africa on the global tourism map.
