0414 560 800
[email protected]
Uganda Triumphs with Best Exquisite Destination Award at OTM 2026 in Mumbai, India – Uganda has been honored with the prestigious Best Exquisite Destination Award at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, a leading travel trade fair held from February 5 to 7 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, India.
The award was presented to Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, who led the country’s delegation. This recognition celebrates Uganda’s exceptional tourism offerings, highlighting its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and world-renowned wildlife experiences that position the country as a premier choice for authentic African adventures.
Uganda’s participation in OTM 2026, marking its second consecutive appearance at the event, showcased the “Pearl of Africa” through immersive displays and engagements with travel professionals, tour operators, and potential visitors from India and the broader Asian market. The delegation, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Airlines, and private sector partners, emphasized collaborative efforts to elevate Uganda’s global tourism profile.
In accepting the award, Ambassador Kikafunda described it as a testament to the strong synergy among stakeholders in Uganda’s tourism sector. “Uganda’s participation in OTM 2026 underscores its relentless efforts to showcase its unique natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic African experience,” she stated.
The accolade aligns with Uganda’s strategic push to attract high-potential source markets like India, where outbound tourism is rapidly growing. By forging new partnerships and strengthening economic and cultural ties, the event contributes to the nation’s Vision 2040 goal of achieving tenfold economic growth, with tourism playing a pivotal role as a key driver.
This win builds on Uganda’s successful debut at OTM 2025 and reinforces its rising status in international tourism rankings. Visitors to Uganda can explore iconic attractions such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, the source of the Nile, and diverse cultural encounters with over 50 ethnic groups.
The Best Exquisite Destination Award not only validates Uganda’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality tourism but also signals exciting opportunities ahead for increased visitor arrivals from Asia and beyond.
END
