Uganda’s prestigious Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo, owned by businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has been selected as the venue for the 9th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities (MTWA), is set to take place from May 21 to 24, 2025.

This year’s event will run under the theme “Tell Your Story – Explore Uganda,” a campaign aimed at encouraging Ugandans to share their unique tourism experiences through videos, photos, and written content.

Speaking at the official launch held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, The Permanent Secretary – MInistry of Tourism, Ms. Doreen Katusiime, emphasized the expo’s role in promoting Uganda as a top global tourism destination.

The expo, organized in collaboration with key tourism agencies such as the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Museum, Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, and Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, will bring together international buyers, investors, tourism stakeholders, and media representatives.

With over 70 international buyers and more than 5,000 trade visitors expected, POATE 2025 will feature Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) engagements, creating networking and investment opportunities for Uganda’s tourism sector.

This year’s edition will also emphasize MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, reflecting Uganda’s growing potential as a hub for global events.

By hosting the expo at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a facility known for its world-class conference and hospitality services, Uganda seeks to reinforce its position as a premier tourism and investment destination.