The high-level event, staged at the Scandic Spectrum Hotel, marked a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties between Uganda and the Nordic region. Organised by Uganda’s embassy in Denmark under the theme “Building Sustainable Tourism Partnerships and Linkages,” the symposium convened key stakeholders from across the travel and tourism ecosystem.
Delegates included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, the Uganda Tourism Board, tour operators, hotel owners, media representatives, and international travel professionals. The gathering provided a platform to showcase Uganda’s diverse tourism portfolio, ranging from wildlife safaris and cultural heritage to adventure tourism and sustainable travel experiences.
Through a series of presentations and discussions, participants positioned Uganda as a competitive and environmentally conscious destination within Africa’s tourism landscape.
Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Officer at the Uganda Tourism Board, Daniel Irunga, emphasised the country’s commitment to building lasting partnerships in the region. He noted that “Destination Uganda” is focused on strengthening collaboration with Nordic tour operators and travel advisors while promoting the country as a safe, attractive, and sustainable option for travellers.
The symposium also facilitated business-to-business engagements aimed at boosting tourist arrivals from Nordic countries including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, as well as the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Uganda’s Ambassador to the Nordic and Baltic regions, Margaret Otteskov, highlighted the importance of tapping into these emerging markets, citing strong outbound travel demand and growing interest in authentic, nature-based, and socially responsible tourism.
Industry bodies such as the Uganda Tourism Association and the Uganda Hotel Association were also represented, alongside private sector players including Crystal Safaris, Dory’s Tours, Emburara Safaris, Sites Travel, and Africa Addict Safaris.
The symposium underscores Uganda’s broader strategy to deepen international partnerships and attract high-value travellers, particularly from regions with rising demand for sustainable and experiential tourism.