More than 30 tourism businesses have met at the Brisbane Convention Centre in Australia for business-to-business engagements aimed at promoting Ugandaโs attractions, attracting investment and increasing tourist arrivals from Australia.
The meetings brought together the Uganda High Commission, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Ugandan tour operators to explore partnerships with Australian travel companies, develop joint tourism packages and strengthen commercial ties.
Ugandaโs High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, said the engagements were intended to turn interest in Uganda into actual bookings, investment and lasting business relationships.
She described Uganda as a destination offering diverse African experiences, including wildlife, culture, adventure and hospitality, noting that tourism partnerships could create opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Uganda Tourism Board Marketing Manager Francis Nyende said the country offers Australian travellers a combination of wildlife, cultural encounters, food and adventure. He added that the partnerships would help develop attractive, bookable itineraries while benefiting accommodation providers, guides, transport operators and local enterprises.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority also highlighted investment opportunities in the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, including eco-lodges in Ishasha, the North Crater Area and Kigezi Wildlife Reserve. Other proposed experiences include walking safaris, wilderness camps, boat excursions, houseboats along the Kazinga Channel, hot-air balloon experiences and ziplining.
UWA officials emphasised that responsible tourism investment can support wildlife conservation while creating jobs and improving community livelihoods.
Australian travel company Adventure World representative Samantha van Eldik welcomed the opportunity to connect with Ugandan operators, saying collaboration would help match Ugandaโs unique attractions with Australian travellersโ interests.
The Brisbane engagements form part of Ugandaโs economic diplomacy efforts to expand tourism markets, attract investment and create employment. By connecting local tourism businesses directly with Australian partners, Uganda aims to translate international awareness into bookings and strengthen its position as a distinctive African destination.
