Kampala, Uganda – April 22, 2025 – The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) is gearing up for a landmark appearance at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, one of the continent’s premier travel trade shows, scheduled for May 12th -15th, 2025 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban, South Africa. The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) announced their participation via a vibrant post on X, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to connect with global buyers, forge partnerships, and elevate Uganda’s profile as a must-visit destination.
The announcement, shared at 09:57 UTC on April 22, 2025, highlighted AUTO’s excitement with the hashtags #INDABA2025, #visitUganda, #ExpoMonday, #AUTO@30, and #Trending. The post included a visually striking graphic featuring snow-capped mountains—likely referencing the Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uganda—alongside the event details: AUTO will be at Stand No. 2301, ready to showcase the “Pearl of Africa” to the world. The graphic also displayed logos of key partners, including the Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, signaling strong national support for the initiative.
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), established in 1995, has long been a cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism industry, representing the country’s most reputable and experienced tour operators. With a mission to uphold Uganda’s reputation as a top-tier tourist destination, The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) has consistently worked to ensure high standards of service and value. Their participation in Indaba 2025 aligns with their broader goals of promoting sustainable tourism, marketing Uganda globally, and fostering business opportunities for their members. As their website notes, AUTO facilitates member participation in both regional and international exhibitions, making Indaba a natural fit for their 30th-anniversary celebrations.
Africa’s Travel Indaba, hosted annually in Durban, is a flagship event for the continent’s tourism industry, drawing thousands of exhibitors, buyers, and media from across the globe. The 2025 edition, held at the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) alongside the ICC, promises to be a dynamic platform for showcasing southern African tourism. For Uganda, this event offers a chance to highlight its diverse attractions, from the iconic gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to cultural experiences like the Imbalu circumcision ceremony of the Bagisu people and the community-led Batwa Development Program, which empowers the indigenous Batwa to share their rainforest heritage with visitors.
Uganda’s tourism sector has seen significant growth in recent years, rebounding from the challenges of political instability in the 1970s and 1980s that saw annual visitor numbers drop from a peak of 100,000 in the late 1960s. According to historical data, the sector contributed USh 4.9 trillion to Uganda’s GDP in 2012–2013, and initiatives like the 2014–2024 Tourism Development Master Plan have aimed to further boost its economic impact. AUTO’s presence at Indaba 2025 is a strategic move to build on this momentum, attracting international attention to lesser-known gems like the Kidepo Valley National Park and the bustling cultural scene in Kampala.
The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) delegation at Indaba 2025 will focus on forging partnerships that drive sustainable growth for Uganda’s tourism industry. By connecting with global buyers, they aim to secure deals that will bring more visitors to Uganda, boosting local economies and supporting conservation efforts. The event also provides a platform to highlight Uganda’s commitment to ethical tourism practices, such as community-based initiatives that empower local populations while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
The association’s participation is backed by key stakeholders, including Uganda Airlines, which has expanded its routes in recent years to improve access to the country, and the Uganda Tourism Board, which has been instrumental in branding Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa”—a moniker coined by Winston Churchill in 1907 after he marveled at the country’s lush landscapes and biodiversity. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities has also played a crucial role in supporting AUTO’s efforts, ensuring that Uganda’s tourism strategy aligns with national development goals.
As the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) prepares for Indaba 2025, their message is clear: Uganda is ready to take center stage in African tourism. With a rich tapestry of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and a renewed focus on sustainability, the Pearl of Africa is poised to captivate the world. For those attending Indaba, a stop at Stand No. 2301 promises an immersive introduction to Uganda’s unparalleled offerings. Follow AUTO’s journey on X at @ug_tour and join the conversation with #visitUganda.
Book Cars + Hotels in Kampala
Get Kampala Car Rental & Hotel Deals in Kampala When You Book Them Together! Find deals from $50 per by comparing on Responsible Tourism Company. Visit our website. Responsible Tourism Company Rental Cars https://responsibletourismcompany.com/transportation-services/
