Uganda has taken a significant step toward expanding its tourism market in Europe following the successful hosting of the first Uganda Tourism Symposium in Copenhagen, Denmark, aimed at strengthening tourism partnerships between Uganda and the Nordic region.
The symposium, held at the Scandic Spectrum Hotel in Copenhagen and organised by Uganda’s embassy in Denmark, brought together government officials, tourism professionals, media, and strategic partners to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential to stakeholders from Scandinavian countries.
Held under the theme “Building Sustainable Tourism Partnerships and Linkages,” the event positioned Uganda as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination in Africa, with a focus on attracting travellers from Nordic countries known for high outbound tourism and interest in nature-based and responsible travel.
Key stakeholders from Uganda’s tourism sector, including the Uganda Tourism Board, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tour operators, and hotel owners, participated in the symposium to promote tourism and investment opportunities.
Participants highlighted Uganda’s tourism attractions including wildlife safaris, cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and sustainable travel experiences.
During the symposium, Daniel Irunga, Senior Brand Officer at the Uganda Tourism Board, emphasised the importance of building partnerships with Nordic travel stakeholders to increase tourist arrivals to Uganda.
“Destination Uganda is committed to deepening business partnerships with Nordic and Scandinavian travel trade stakeholders, while positioning the country as a safe, competitive, and sustainable destination for Nordic travellers,” Irunga said.
The symposium also created business-to-business networking opportunities between Ugandan tourism operators and Nordic travel companies, aimed at building partnerships that could increase tourist arrivals from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Baltic states.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the Nordic and Baltic region, Margaret Otteskov, said the Nordic market presents strong opportunities for Uganda’s tourism growth due to its growing interest in authentic and environmentally responsible travel experiences.
“The Nordic market is characterised by a strong outbound travel segment with a growing interest in authentic, nature-based, and socially responsible tourism experiences. Through economic and commercial diplomacy, we remain committed to developing this market and strengthening Uganda’s tourism presence in the region,” she said.
The symposium also attracted participation from tourism industry bodies including the Uganda Tourism Association and the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, as well as private tour companies that showcased Uganda’s tourism products and experiences to Nordic travel stakeholders.
Tourism officials say the Nordic region represents an important emerging market for Uganda due to its travellers’ interest in nature, wildlife, culture, and sustainable tourism, which aligns with Uganda’s tourism offerings.
The Uganda Tourism Symposium is expected to strengthen partnerships, increase Uganda’s visibility in the Nordic region, and open new opportunities for tourism business collaboration, investment, and growth in tourist arrivals from Northern Europe in the coming years.
