Uganda High Commission has put up an exceptional show at the World Travel, Trade and Taste Expo 2025, held at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre 30th – 31 May 2025.
The High Commission led by Ambassador Allan Kajik drew in an estimated hundreds of travel operators, tourists, and members of the general public.
The “Explore Uganda” exhibition offered a vibrant and immersive experience into the heart of the East African nation.
A standout feature was the complimentary tasting of Ugandan freshly brewed organic coffee, coupled with free giveaways of roasted coffee beans, which generated a constant buzz and drew continuous crowds to the booth.
A large LCD screen prominently displayed Uganda’s breathtaking travel destinations, captivating visitors, and inspiring future travel. “I have never heard of Uganda before, I surely will have to add it into my travel plan this year,” remarked one impressed tourist.
Further enhancing the booth’s appeal were free samples of the renowned Uganda Waragi, provided courtesy of the Uganda High Commission. Attendees also received handmade wristbands, serving as a tangible and lasting reminder to consider Uganda for their next travel adventure. Agnes Birungi, an Embassy staff member dressed in a blue beautiful Traditional Gomesi wear, expressed her astonishment at the limited knowledge about Uganda among many Canadians, highlighting her passion for introducing them to this “total new travel destination.”
Lilian Amaro, the Immigration Attache’ at the High Commission, was quick to explain the Visa process to the tourists who would like to visit Uganda. The East African Tourist visa giving an opportunity to tourists to vist Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya was explained to the prospective tourists.
Adding an extra layer of charm was Janet Anzoa, the current Miss Tourism Commonwealth Africa and a Ugandan-Canadian, whose consistent smiles and engaging pitches about Uganda’s natural beauty reinforced its status as the “Pearl of Africa.”
The World Travel, Trade and Taste Expo annually convenes thousands of travel operators, hospitality industry leaders, international country representatives, and travel enthusiasts from across Canada and the USA. The event facilitates networking and business-to-business (B2B) interactions through activities such as trade and investment forums, showcases of global travel destinations, and international food tastings.
Uganda’s impactful participation this year was a collaborative effort of the Uganda High Commission, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities powered by a partnership with Global Events Canada, a Ugandan-founded event planning Agency.
Several private Ugandan travel operators also showcased their offers. Ether Birungi, CEO of Churchill Safaris and Travel Ltd, travelled from Uganda to exhibit, recognizing the expo as a crucial platform for global exposure. She noted the significant opportunity to educate visitors who were previously unfamiliar with Uganda, and expressed satisfaction in establishing a partnership with a Toronto-based agent on her first day. Natasha Kamusiime, CEO of the 7O7 Safaris, also presented Uganda’s diverse travel destinations through compelling visual displays.
The Ugandan delegation’s presence was further distinguished by the attendance of Mr Jimmy Kigozi, the acting Commissioner for Tourism Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. In his address to the gathered travel operators, tourism professionals, and the public, Hon. Kigozi offered words of encouragement and persuasion to visit the Pearl of Africa, vowing continued support for the High Commission’s efforts in fostering synergies for tourism development. He underscored the economic impact, stating, “tourism plays a vital role in Uganda’s Economy, generating income and Supporting job creation and because Uganda being the Right product, we now need the right team, right tools and right targets to elevating the Tourism Sector of Uganda”
In his remarks to the media, the Charge’ d’Affaires Amb. Allan Kajik extended gratitude to president Kaguta Museveni for creating peace in Uganda that has enabled free movement of tourists and the Uganda Ministry of Tourism for their diligent work in promoting the nation, calling it a vital catalyst for the High Commission’s initiatives. “This being the first this year, we look forward to hosting and attending many other related events to preach the gospel of Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa,” he declared.
The World Travel, Trade and Taste Expo concludes today, Saturday, May 31, 2025, the closing ceremony to be officiated by the Mayor of the City of Toronto.
