Over the weekend, Uganda was honored as the Best Promising New Destination at the prestigious Outbound Travel Market (OTM) 2025 held in Mumbai, India.
According to the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), this recognition highlights the country’s appeal to international travelers seeking unique cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
At the expo, UTB, in partnership with Uganda Airlines and the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, showcased the “Pearl of Africa” to over 300 travel trade partners eager to promote Uganda as a travel destination.
Uganda’s Pavilion was also elevated as the best exhibitor based on the pre-determined criterion that included clientele feedback. It was also the most visited facility by the out bound and in bound tourism market sellers and buyers.
“With India sending more than 35,000 tourists to Uganda annually, this market is vital for the growth of Uganda’s tourism sector,” said Irunga Daniel, Ag Marketing Manager at the Uganda Tourism Board.
The OTM is known for connecting key players in the travel and tourism industry, providing a platform for countries to showcase their attractions to global audiences. With Uganda’s growing visibility on the world stage, industry experts and travel agents are increasingly recognizing the country’s potential as a must-visit destination.
Irunga emphasized that this accolade is expected to bolster Uganda’s tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to explore its landscapes, cultures, and adventures.
“We are immensely grateful for this honor and extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and the global travel trade. As the world emerges from travel restrictions, Uganda’s positioning as a promising destination could significantly impact the region’s economic recovery and growth.” He also noted that the expo has strengthened economic and cultural ties between East Africa and South Asia.
It should be noted that this is not the first time Uganda is winning an international award in tourism. Last year, Uganda Won Best Organizer Award at the China International Tourism Industry Expo, in 2022 Uganda also bagged three accolades scooped at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa for its film “Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa” and many more.
