POATE Expo 2026: Highlights from Uganda's Premier Tourism Showcase

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026 has officially closed its doors after a packed programme of industry networking, destination showcasing, and travel deals at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. Here's a roundup of the key moments and what they mean for travellers and tour operators alike.

What Is POATE?

POATE — the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo — is Uganda's flagship annual tourism trade fair, bringing together local tour operators, international travel agents, lodge owners, government tourism bodies, and media from across the globe. Launched by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the expo is a centrepiece of Uganda's efforts to position itself as East Africa's must-visit destination.

2026 Edition: Key Highlights

Record International Attendance

This year's expo attracted buyers and media from over 40 countries, a record for the event. Representatives from the UK, USA, Germany, China, and the Gulf States were among those touring the exhibition floor — a strong signal of growing global interest in Uganda's safari and eco-tourism offerings.

Gorilla Tourism Takes Centre Stage

Mountain gorilla trekking remained the headline act, with multiple operators — including Wahika Safaris — showcasing new gorilla habituation experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With gorilla permit quotas tightening year on year, the expo gave travellers a chance to secure priority bookings directly with operators.

New Destinations in the Spotlight

POATE 2026 shone a long-overdue spotlight on Uganda's lesser-known gems:

Rwenzori Mountains National Park — the "Mountains of the Moon" were featured prominently as a trekking and adventure destination

Ssese Islands — Lake Victoria's island archipelago was pitched as an emerging beach and watersports retreat

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve — Uganda's second-largest protected area, still virtually crowd-free

Community Tourism Gets a Platform

A new dedicated pavilion for community-run tourism enterprises was one of the expo's most popular attractions. Craft villages, cultural performance groups, and women-led eco-lodges drew strong interest from buyers looking for authentic, responsible travel products.

Uganda Tourism Board Announcements

UTB used POATE 2026 to announce several initiatives:

A new digital visa processing system to reduce entry delays for international visitors

Expanded domestic airline partnerships to improve connectivity between Entebbe, Kidepo, and Kasese

A marketing push targeting the Indian Ocean Islands and Middle East markets for 2026–2027

What This Means for You as a Traveller

The enthusiasm at POATE 2026 is a reminder that Uganda's tourism sector is thriving. Demand for gorilla permits, luxury tented camps, and primate trekking experiences is growing fast — which means the best itineraries book out months in advance.

If POATE has inspired you to finally make Uganda your next destination, don't wait. Contact the Wahika Safaris team to lock in your preferred dates and experiences before availability runs out.