Uganda has taken a bold step to promote its tourism industry by launching its first-ever tourism roadshow in Mauritius.
The two-day event, themed “From Paradise to The Pearl,” was held at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Port Louis and aimed to attract high-end Mauritian travelers to Uganda.
The Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam organized the roadshow as part of Uganda’s broader economic and commercial diplomacy program.
The goal was to showcase Uganda’s unique attractions, including gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and adventure tourism, while strengthening tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.
Uganda’s delegation, led by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, emphasized that the country offers much more than wildlife.
From mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the powerful Murchison Falls, Uganda’s natural beauty was presented as an adventure destination unlike any other in Africa.
Virtual Reality (VR) was used to give Mauritian guests a first-hand experience of Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes.
Attendees also enjoyed Ugandan coffee and local street food, such as the famous rolex (an omelet wrapped in chapati), which offered a taste of Uganda’s culture.
Ambassador Fred Mwesigye noted that Uganda and Mauritius have complementary strengths: Mauritius is famous for its luxury beach resorts, while Uganda is home to world-class safaris and adventure tourism. Combining the two could create a unique tourism product appealing to global travelers.
Uganda’s Tourism Minister, Martin Mugarra, also highlighted the importance of reviving tourism numbers between the two nations. Before COVID-19, over 1,000 Ugandans visited Mauritius annually, but these numbers fell sharply during the pandemic.
The Minister called on Mauritian investors to explore Uganda’s opportunities, especially in eco-tourism and safaris.
Both Ugandan and Mauritian officials stressed the need for better air connectivity to make travel easier. Representatives from the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and the Mauritian Foreign Ministry agreed that direct flights between the two countries would be key to unlocking the full potential of this partnership.
Minister Mugarra also met with Mauritius’s Junior Minister of Tourism, Jean Sydney Pierre, where both sides agreed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement will serve as a framework for cooperation in tourism marketing, investment, and development.
Samora Machel Semakula, Quality Assurance Manager at the Uganda Tourism Board, described Uganda as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa.”
He also highlighted Uganda’s ranking as the sixth-best destination in Africa for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), underscoring its potential beyond leisure tourism.
The From Paradise to The Pearl roadshow was more than a marketing event—it was also a cultural exchange. By showcasing Uganda’s attractions and hospitality, the initiative opened doors for mutual economic growth, job creation, and stronger people-to-people connections.
If backed by improved air links and continued collaboration, this partnership between Uganda and Mauritius could transform tourism in both countries and set an example for regional cooperation in Africa and the Indian Ocean.
