IMEX Frankfurt, Europe’s Premier Trade Show, witnessed the successful participation of Team Uganda, led by the Uganda Convention Bureau (UCB), in their efforts to position Uganda as a competitive destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
The three-day exhibition, held from May 23rd–25th, 2023, garnered significant attention from global event planners and buyers, highlighting Uganda’s immense potential in the MICE industry.
Headed by Hon. Migereko Daudi, Chairman of the UTB Board, and accompanied by Director Chemonges Sabilla, DCEO Bradford Ochieng, and private sector players under UCB, Team Uganda left a lasting impression on attendees. The Deputy Head of Mission Germany, Amb. Danny M. Ssozi, showed support by visiting the Ugandan contingent throughout the exhibition.
Renowned MICE private sector players such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Signature Africa, Gazelle Safaris Company, Wuza Events, Let’s Go Travel, Horn Bill Safari Company, Lake Kitandara Tour and Travel, and Gofan Safari joined forces to showcase Uganda’s diverse offerings in the sector.
Migereko emphasized the significance of the engagements held during IMEX Frankfurt, which aimed to raise awareness of Uganda as an ideal MICE destination.
The expo facilitated access to a multitude of pre-qualified hosted buyers, ensuring a fruitful return on investment for UCB.
The event’s business-to-business exhibition interface, coupled with networking and professional education events, provided a valuable platform for Team Uganda.
Deputy CEO of UTB highlighted the immense opportunities presented by the development of the MICE tourism sector in Uganda. With the potential to diversify the country’s tourism offerings, stimulate economic growth, and generate substantial revenue, Uganda aspires to become one of the preferred MICE tourism destinations.
Boniface Byamukama, Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, stressed the importance of enhancing Uganda’s international MICE tourism image through strategic promotion and marketing initiatives. These efforts, coupled with the implementation of the Uganda Convention Bureau’s business plan, are geared towards generating promising sales leads.
The final day of IMEX Frankfurt, celebrated as ‘Africa Day,’ witnessed a surge in visitors to the Uganda Convention Bureau stand. Engaging presentations to prospective industry partners garnered numerous inquiries and expressed interest in hosting MICE events in Uganda. Team Uganda left the trade show with a sense of accomplishment, having successfully showcased Uganda’s potential and attractiveness as a MICE destination.