Uganda Wins Award at Top China International Tourism Industry Expo

Uganda has been honored with the prestigious Best Organizer Award at the 2024 China International Tourism Industry Expo (CITIE), held from September 13 to 15 in Guangzhou, China. The Ugandan Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Guangzhou worked in collaboration to highlight the country’s vibrant tourism sector, promoting its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and spectacular natural landscapes.

The Expo, recognized as China’s largest international tourism event, was hosted by the Culture and Tourism Development and Support Center of Guangdong Province. The event attracted over 43,000 visitors, with exhibitors from more than 50 countries showcasing tourism services, destinations, and experiences.

Spanning 40,000 square meters, CITIE 2024 featured 100 destinations and 500 tourism service providers, creating a platform for tourism recovery and development, especially in Southern China.

Uganda’s Display Draws Global Attention
The Ugandan pavilion stood out due to its rich display of cultural artifacts, presentations of wildlife – particularly the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo) – and natural wonders such as waterfalls, national parks, and hot springs. Additionally, Ugandan coffee was a highlight at the stall, offering visitors a taste of one of the country’s prized exports.

During the Expo’s closing ceremony, Uganda’s Consulate General in Guangzhou was awarded the Best Organizer accolade. The award recognized the consulate’s outstanding work in promoting Uganda’s tourism potential and fostering international collaborations. Uganda’s exhibits successfully showcased the country’s cultural wealth and investment opportunities to an international audience.

Ambassador Nsababera’s Remarks
Speaking after receiving the award, Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou, Ambassador Nsababera, expressed her gratitude: “This accolade underscores the consulate’s commitment to excellence and its role in positioning Uganda as a premier destination for travelers and investors. It solidifies Uganda’s growing reputation on the international stage.”

Ambassador Nsababera also revealed that Uganda has been invited to co-organize the 2025 edition of CITIE, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its tourism sector and boost international partnerships.

Other Award Categories
CITIE 2024 also presented awards in various categories, including Best Supporting Unit, Best Design Prize, Best Travel Agency, and Best Airline. These accolades celebrated the contributions of exhibitors from across the globe in promoting tourism and enhancing industry standards.