Uganda has made a strong impression at the ongoing Turkmen Travel 2026, positioning itself as a prime global travel destination while expanding its tourism diplomacy into new markets.
The international tourism exhibition and conference, currently taking place in Ashgabat, has attracted participants from across the globe.
Uganda’s participation—coordinated by its embassy in Tehran in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and the Uganda Tourism Board—marks a strategic effort to boost visibility and attract visitors from Central Asia and beyond.
Notably, Uganda stands out as the only African country represented at the expo, making its debut on the high-level platform a significant milestone in the country’s international tourism outreach.
The Ugandan delegation is led by Ambassador Twaha Matata and includes Geoffrey Sseremba, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, alongside a team of tour operators.
Their presence has drawn considerable attention to the Uganda Pavilion, which is showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and unique wildlife experiences.
The pavilion received a high-profile visit from Seyidova Bahar Hojamuradovna, a move officials say underscores growing interest in Uganda’s tourism offerings and signals strengthening bilateral engagement between the two countries.
Speaking at the pavilion, Ambassador Matata invited tourists from Turkmenistan and the wider region to explore Uganda’s attractions, highlighting its diverse flora and fauna, as well as iconic sites such as the Rwenzori Mountains, the Source of the Nile, and the country’s famed mountain gorillas.
Uganda is also using the expo as a platform to pursue deeper bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan, with discussions underway on potential agreements in tourism development and cultural exchange.
Officials say engagements are also being explored with Turkmenistan’s education sector to strengthen people-to-people connections.
The country’s participation in Turkmen Travel 2026 reflects a broader strategy to diversify tourism markets and position Uganda as a leading destination on the global stage.
