The Pearl of Africa Expo (POATE) that had been scheduled to happen between February 8 -11, 2023 is postponed to April 26-29th, 2023. The Uganda Tourism Board says the rescheduling of the event is to allow for comprehensive engagement and participation of stakeholders.
“This POATE edition is particularly critical because it seeks all of the country’s tourism offering post the pandemic,” Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) said in a statement.
Its Board Chairman, Migereko Daudi noted that with preparations in high gear, the extension will enable a comprehensive arrangement that provides sufficient time for participation.
As has been the tradition of previous editions, POATE 2023 will feature national, regional, and international exhibitors, B2B and B2C meetings and hosted buyers’ familiarization trips, among many activities.
UTB CEO, Lilly Ajarova expects POATE 2023 to open up new tourist markets for both intra-African and international travel.
“The participation from a wide range of tourism trade partners hosted buyers, local and international media, tour operators, travel agencies and other tourism-related organizations is important to the growth of the sector,” she added.
UTB anticipates this year’s POATE to attract over 100 hosted buyers and 300 exhibitors, including tourism boards and corporate entities. The expo envisages hosting more than 5,000 trade visitors and consumers to attend the three-day event.
Story by Samuel Obeng Appah
