Ugandan tourism institutions and businesses have held business-to-business meetings with Australian travel partners in Brisbane to attract more visitors, secure investment and expand market access for local tourism enterprises. The meetings at the Brisbane Convention Centre brought together more than 30 businesses and representatives from the Uganda High Commission, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority and travel agencies to explore partnerships and develop travel packages.
Uganda's High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, said the engagements were intended to turn the country's tourism appeal into actual bookings, investment and lasting commercial relationships. She described the meetings as an opportunity to apply economic diplomacy by linking Ugandan tourism operators with international partners who can help them access new markets. "Uganda offers Australian travellers the depth, range and variety of Africa in one unique destination. Our task in Brisbane is to connect that promise with businesses that can bring travellers to Uganda," Hyuha said.
The discussions focused on promoting Uganda's wildlife, landscapes, culture and adventure experiences while helping operators turn international interest into bookable itineraries. Francis Nyende said Uganda's diverse tourism products could allow Australian travel businesses to develop packages combining wildlife, cultural encounters, food and adventure. Samantha van Eldik of Adventure World said Uganda's diversity offered opportunities for Australian travellers seeking experiences that combine wildlife, landscapes and cultural encounters, and that working with local operators was important in matching Uganda's tourism experiences to travellers' interests.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority used the meetings to showcase investment opportunities in the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, including luxury eco-lodges, wilderness camps, walking safaris and water-based tourism along the Kazinga Channel. Joseph Muhereza, UWA senior concession officer, highlighted opportunities for boat excursions and houseboat operations along the Kazinga Channel, as well as proposed hot-air balloon experiences in Ishasha and ziplining in the North Crater Area and Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. "Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area offers opportunities to develop quality and ultra-luxury eco-lodges in Ishasha, the North Crater Area and Kigezi Wildlife Reserve. We invite Australian investors to explore that potential with us," Muhereza said.
UWA representative Penina Babirye said wildlife tourism should be promoted as part of a broader experience encompassing landscapes, communities and culture. "Responsible tourism partnerships can support conservation while creating livelihoods. We want visitors to leave with lasting memories and communities to benefit from protecting the places that attract them," Babirye said. For Ugandan operators, partnerships with Australian travel companies could provide access to new customers and distribution networks, while giving international businesses local contacts to help develop and deliver itineraries.