Uganda entices Dubai travel trade

Recognising Uganda’s influence on the global market, Satguru Travel organised a Uganda Convention in Dubai from October 7-9, 2017, at Hyatt Regency Deira Dubai, to highlight the country’s strength and contributions to the Middle Eastern audience.

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Uganda Convention Dubai 2017 was hosted in collaboration with hotel partners–Hyatt Regency Deira Dubai and Grand Excelsior Deira–with Satguru Travel’s focus on bringing attention to the lucrative investment opportunities in Uganda, in addition to showcasing its distinct produce including agriculture, coffee, and local handicraft.
The event is the first of many executed by Satguru Travel to transform from Travel Management to a Destination Management Company. Almost 80 exhibitors participated in the convention to promote their products and tourism initiatives, including many travel agents that experienced widespread interest in Uganda’s inbound tourism opportunities. A truly extravagant affair, High Ministers and an estimated 30 members of the Parliament were in attendance alongside the Ambassador of Uganda in Abu Dhabi, H.E. Nimisha J. Madhvani. The Ambassadors said that Uganda is a wonderful country to be in and is celebrating Uganda’s 55th Independence Day for the first time in the UAE. They want to develop tourism and trade between the two countries and explore the many business opportunities between them.
Santosh Punjabi, Regional Manager, Satguru Travel, said, “Being one of its kind event between the two nations, I am confident that the synergy will triple the number of participants and business by next year.” The last day of the convention was a lavish affair with over 350 guests in attendance including local visitors, government officials and business partners all came together in the Hyatt Regency Deira Dubai’s Crystal Ballroom. Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello graced the occasion as the chief guest and encouraged local investors to actively consider investing in a diverse range of sectors such as petroleum, manufacturing, agriculture and farming.
With trade between the UAE and Uganda already valued at over $600 million, the Uganda Convention Dubai 2017 played a key role in strengthening economic ties. Not only was the audience impressed by the intricate displays, there was undeniable enthusiasm generated towards investing in Uganda’s products and learning more about their export capabilities. Satguru Travel will take proactive steps to invite an increasing number of African countries including Rwanda, Ghana and Ethiopia to use this platform to nurture new trade and business partnerships that will serve as a gateway to economic prosperity for all stakeholders.