Published on 30/03/2025
Uganda’s tourism sector is set to reach new heights as billionaire businessman and hospitality mogul, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, takes centre stage for the upcoming 9th edition of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025.
Scheduled from May 21 to 24, 2025, at the prestigious Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo, the event is poised to position Uganda as a top global travel destination and reinforce its commitment to sustainable tourism development.
As Uganda’s leading investor in the hospitality industry, Sudhir Ruparelia’s participation in POATE 2025 is a key highlight of the expo. With a sprawling portfolio that includes high-end facilities like Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, and several luxury hotels, Dr. Ruparelia has been instrumental in shaping the country’s tourism landscape.
His presence at the event signals a major opportunity for stakeholders in the tourism sector to gain valuable insights into how Uganda can further unlock its tourism potential and attract high-value visitors.
Dr. Ruparelia will join a panel of distinguished tourism industry leaders to share his expertise on leveraging hospitality investments to boost Uganda’s tourism sector.
With years of experience in developing world-class luxury facilities, Sudhir’s input is expected to offer strategic direction for transforming Uganda’s tourism industry, making it more competitive on the global stage.
Hosting POATE 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo is also a testament to the venue’s standing as Uganda’s premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Known for its breath-taking lakeside views and cutting-edge conference amenities, Speke Resort is the ideal setting for the high-level discussions that will take place at the expo. The venue has become a hub for international events, drawing dignitaries, business leaders, and tourists from across the globe.
With POATE 2025 themed around “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the expo is expected to attract over 5,000 trade visitors, including 70 selected international buyers. This underscores Uganda’s unique tourism offerings—from the gorilla-filled jungles of Bwindi to the serene shores of Lake Victoria—positioning the country as a competitive destination in East Africa.
The government’s ambitious goal to increase annual tourist arrivals to 4 million by 2030 will be a focal point of discussions, particularly as Uganda continues to promote sustainable tourism practices and develop infrastructure.
The reintroduction of Uganda Airlines, along with Sudhir Ruparelia’s continued investments in the sector, is expected to boost connectivity and help drive the tourism industry forward. Sudhir’s influence as a leader in hospitality and his commitment to growing Uganda’s tourism sector position him as a key figure in shaping the future of the industry.
POATE 2025 at Speke Resort will not only showcase Uganda’s exceptional tourism attractions but will also foster strategic partnerships aimed at defining the country’s tourism future. Dr. Ruparelia’s leadership and the resort’s world-class hospitality are set to play pivotal roles in this transformative journey.
