MINISTRY OF TOURISM HOLDS FINAL REVIEW MEETING FOR POATE 2025, SETS SIGHTS ON 2026

24th July 2025, Kampala — The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities today convened the final review meeting for the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025, during which the official post-event report was presented and deliberated upon by key stakeholders.

Held at the Ministry Boardroom, the meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, development partners, the private sector, and service providers who contributed to the successful organization and execution of POATE 2025.

The 2025 edition of POATE was held from 21st to 24th May at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The event aimed to position Uganda as a premier global tourism destination by showcasing its rich cultural heritage, diverse biodiversity, adventure opportunities, and stunning landscapes. The expo attracted a wide range of local and international participants.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lyazi Vivian, Commissioner for Tourism, expressed the Ministry’s appreciation to all partners and stakeholders. He underscored the importance of building on the momentum gained and called for POATE to be viewed as a continuous engagement, not just a one-off event.

“The 2026 edition planning must begin today,” Mr. Lyazi stated. “Timely engagement of sponsors, early identification of quality hosted buyers, and proactive marketing are essential for scaling up the promotion of POATE.”

He acknowledged the challenges faced in organizing such a large-scale event but emphasized that each challenge presented a learning opportunity to enhance future editions.

During the meeting, the final POATE 2025 report was officially handed over to stakeholders, including the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), which will spearhead the planning and execution of POATE 2026.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Uganda as a leading global tourism destination and expressed optimism for a more inclusive, impactful, and better-coordinated POATE 2026.