Livingstone, Zambia — 27 June to 1 July 2026
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), led by Board Chairperson Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, has successfully concluded a productive participation at the AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference 2026, held in Livingstone, Zambia under the theme “Africa in Motion.” The conference ran from 27th June to 1st July 2026 and brought together stakeholders from across the region to chart a shared path for the continent’s travel and tourism sector.
A key highlight of Uganda’s participation was Board Chairperson Pearl Hoareau Kakooza’s insightful presentation, titled “Bridging Perspectives: Strengthening Relationships Across the Travel Ecosystem.” In her address, she emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships in driving Africa’s tourism growth, underscoring that collaboration across the value chain remains central to unlocking the continent’s full tourism potential.
The conference brought together over 800 delegates from 22 African countries, making it one of the region’s most significant travel trade gatherings of the year. Discussions reinforced the need for improved air connectivity, easier visa access, and stronger public-private collaboration across the continent. Delegates also explored how tourism can be positioned as a catalyst for jobs, youth empowerment, and broader economic transformation across Africa.
Beyond the conference sessions, UTB engaged in exhibitions, tourism excursions, and valuable networking, alongside strategic discussions with key regional players. These included talks with the Zambia Tourism Agency on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE), Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, South African airlines, travel trade partners, and other industry leaders. These engagements further strengthened regional collaboration and reinforced Uganda’s positioning as a premier tourism destination on the continent.
“We look forward to translating these engagements into stronger partnerships and collaborations.”
About AESATA
AESATA (the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents) is a regional body that brings together travel agents, tourism stakeholders, airlines, and industry leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa. It promotes collaboration, improves connectivity, advocates for seamless travel, and works to strengthen the growth and competitiveness of Africa’s tourism sector.
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