Uganda Tourism Board CEO Lilly Ajarova surprised attendees at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2024 by recognizing and honoring three tourism veterans at a special event hosted by Ugandan Airlines. The event took place at the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, where Ajarova called Ikechi Uko of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Alain St.Ange, former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of Seychelles and President of the African Tourism Board (ATB), and Cuthbert Ncube, Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board, to the stage.
The veterans were acknowledged as the “Giants and Pillars” of Tourism in Africa, with Uko expressing his gratitude for sharing the stage with St. Ange. St. Ange, in turn, humbly accepted the recognition and thanked Ajarova for the honor.
During POATE 2024, the Uganda Tourism Board showcased the country’s diverse attractions and emphasized its commitment to sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. The event brought together industry professionals, stakeholders, and international buyers for networking and strategic discussions. New travel packages and itineraries were introduced, highlighting unique experiences like gorilla trekking, safari adventures, and cultural tours.
The recognition of tourism veterans and the promotion of Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural richness at POATE 2024 underscored the country’s potential for growth in the tourism sector. The event aimed to strengthen connections and collaborations with global travel markets, positioning Uganda as a premier travel destination in Africa.