Kampala: Gateway to Gorilla Treks, Nile Adventures, and Community Immersion  Event Dates: Thursday 23rd | Friday 24th | Saturday 25th October 2025 Venue: Speke Resort & Convention Centre, Munyonyo – Kampala, Uganda

Get ready for an unparalleled exploration of Africa’s diverse tourism landscape! Kampala, the vibrant capital of Uganda, is proud to host the Africa Tourism Expo 2025, a landmark event scheduled for October 23rd-25th, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Speke Resort & Convention Centre, Munyonyo. This expo is poised to be a game-changer, championing sustainable travel, fostering innovation, and placing a significant spotlight on the transformative power of Community Based Tourism (CBT).

Uganda: The Pearl of Africa, Perfectly Positioned to Host

Uganda’s selection as host for the Africa Tourism Expo 2025 underscores its growing stature as a prime destination, offering a captivating blend of mainstream and community-led experiences:

• Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking: Home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a thriving chimpanzee population in Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda offers unparalleled primate encounters that draw global interest.
• Big Five Safaris and Beyond: Explore the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park (where the Nile River famously thunders through a narrow gorge) and Queen Elizabeth National Park, encountering elephants, lions (including the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha), buffalo, and leopards. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for rhino tracking on foot.
• Adventure on the Nile: Jinja, the “Adventure Capital of East Africa,” is the source of the mighty River Nile, offering adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and serene boat cruises.
• Cultural Tapestry and Warm Hospitality: Uganda boasts over 50 ethnic groups, each with unique traditions. From the historical Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to vibrant markets and the welcoming smiles of its people, Uganda offers deep cultural immersion.
• Stunning Landscapes: Beyond wildlife, Uganda’s landscapes are breathtaking, featuring the “Mountains of the Moon” in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, the serene islands of Lake Bunyonyi, and the vast Lake Victoria.
• Modern Infrastructure: The Speke Resort & Convention Centre, Munyonyo, provides world-class facilities, ensuring a seamless and productive experience for all attendees. Its strategic location in the heart of Africa makes it easily accessible for international delegates.

Community Based Tourism: The Heartbeat of the Expo

This year, the Africa Tourism Expo will place an unprecedented focus on Community Based Tourism (CBT). CBT is more than just a travel trend; it’s a philosophy that empowers local communities to directly benefit from and shape tourism in their regions. It offers travelers authentic interactions, contributing directly to sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Uganda is a shining example of thriving CBT initiatives. Imagine sharing a traditional meal with the Batwa pygmy community, learning about coffee cultivation directly from farmers in Kapchorwa, or joining a women’s craft cooperative whose work funds local education projects. These are the enriching experiences that CBT in Uganda offers, and they are at the core of the upcoming expo.

Transforming Communities: The Expo’s Impact on African CBT

The Africa Tourism Expo 2025 will serve as a crucial catalyst for the Community Based Tourism industry across the continent:

• Global Showcase: It will provide an invaluable platform for African CBT operators to present their unique offerings to a global audience, attracting new partnerships and markets.
• Direct Connections: The expo will facilitate direct linkages between local communities and international tour operators, investors, and responsible travel advocates, cutting out intermediaries and ensuring greater benefit flow to the grassroots.
• Knowledge and Skill Sharing: Through targeted workshops and discussions, participants will gain insights into sustainable practices, effective marketing, and business development strategies tailored for CBT.
• Increased Investment and Visibility: By highlighting the success and potential of CBT, the expo will attract vital investment and elevate the profile of community-led tourism as a powerful force for socio-economic development.
• Promoting Authentic, Responsible Travel: The focus on CBT aligns with the growing global demand for meaningful travel that respects cultures and environments, positioning Africa as a leader in this critical sector.

Your Invitation to Experience the Pearl of Africa!

We extend a heartfelt invitation to global travelers, tourism partners, and operators to join us in Kampala for the Africa Tourism Expo 2025. This is your chance to:

• Connect with the future of African tourism and innovation.
• Forge new collaborations and explore impactful investments.
• Discover diverse, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences.
• Witness the beauty of Uganda – from its majestic mountain gorillas and thundering Nile, to the warmth of its people and the richness of its cultures.

Come, experience the Pearl of Africa first-hand, contribute to its sustainable growth, and be a part of the movement that empowers communities through tourism.

Mark your calendars for October 23rd-25th, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable journey in Uganda!