Bangkok, Thailand — November 26, 2025 — Uganda is intensifying its charm offensive in Asia’s booming outbound travel market after presenting its most alluring tourism experiences at the “Pearl of Africa – Uganda Business Forum & Expo 2025 – Thailand Chapter,” held at the Bangkok Intercontinental Hotel.
The event, organised by the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and accredited to Thailand, offered Thai travel companies, tour operators, and media a vivid look at Uganda’s world-class attractions — from the misty gorilla highlands and the River Nile’s adrenaline-filled adventures to savannah national parks brimming with wildlife.
Officials positioned Uganda as Africa’s next must-visit destination for high-value experiential tourism, backed by investor-friendly policies and seamless access to regional markets.
Thai Travellers Already Choosing Uganda
H.E. Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director General at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that several Thai tour operators who visited Uganda on a 2024 familiarisation trip are already rolling out new Uganda packages.
“These companies are now bringing Thai tourists to experience Uganda’s unique experiential tourism,” she said, describing Uganda as a destination with “rare authenticity and unforgettable encounters.”
A Country Built for Adventure, Nature and Culture
At the expo, Uganda showcased why it has long been called the “Pearl of Africa.”
Travel stakeholders highlighted:
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Bwindi and Kibale
- The Source of the Nile, offering white-water rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping
- Classic African safaris in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks
- Birding trails featuring more than 1,000 species
- Cultural tourism enriched by diverse traditions, crafts and cuisine
Ugandan officials invited Thai travel brands to invest in new lodges, tour packages, wellness retreats, eco-tourism ventures and luxury safari experiences — sectors with rising demand among Asia’s adventure-seeking travellers.
Strengthening Asia–Africa Tourism Links
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia and Thailand, Amb. Betty Bigombe, told attendees that Uganda’s increasing visibility in Southeast Asia is yielding results. She noted that trade and tourism interest from Thailand has grown, supported by Uganda’s stability and expanding air connectivity through regional hubs.
“Our tourism offering is authentic, diverse and adventure-filled — and Thailand is a growing market for that,” she said.
Uganda’s delegation, made up of officials from tourism bodies and private operators, engaged Thai partners in B2B meetings, product showcases and destination briefings aimed at expanding Uganda’s footprint in the Thai and wider ASEAN travel market.
Uganda–Thailand Tourism Momentum Rising
With Thailand relaunching the Thailand–Africa Initiative (TAI) to deepen ties with African destinations, both governments view tourism as a prime avenue for cooperation. Ugandan officials say more familiarisation trips, joint marketing, and tour packaging partnerships will be rolled out in 2026.
As Thailand continues seeking fresh, nature-rich destinations beyond the usual East African safari circuits, Uganda is positioning itself as the continent’s next great discovery — a place where wild landscapes, warm hospitality and unforgettable adventure converge.
