The first Uganda Tourism Roadshow in Mauritius, organised by the Uganda High Commission in Dar es Salaam, took place at Hennessy Park Hotel in Port Louis.
The two-day event, part of the Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy programme, explored strategies for mutual market diversification. It aimed to attract affluent Mauritian travellers to Uganda through unique experiences such as gorilla trekking and adventure tourism. Goals included building institutional partnerships, promoting Uganda as a leisure destination, and hosting tourism roadshows in Mauritius.
The initiative featured a mini-expo that showcased Uganda’s attractions to Mauritian travel agents and a familiarisation trip for Mauritian operators to experience Uganda first-hand.
Uganda’s delegation was led by Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. He was joined by Uganda’s non-resident High Commissioner to Mauritius, Col (rtd) Fred Mwesigye, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda Tourism Board.
Dubbed From Paradise to The Pearl, the event attracted officials from the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mauritian Tourism and Wildlife Board, and luxury tour agents. It sought to build cooperation between the two countries’ tourism sectors by creating a bilateral framework. Uganda is rich in biodiversity and adventure tourism, while Mauritius is known for luxury beach resorts.
The roadshow immersed Mauritian operators in Uganda’s story. In a setting decorated to reflect sustainable tropical tourism, guests used virtual reality to experience Murchison Falls, the River Nile, and gorillas in Bwindi. They also tasted Ugandan coffee and the popular street delicacy, the “rolex.” “The aroma of our organic products, the feel of our crafts, and the rhythms of Ugandan music will transport you to the Pearl of Africa without leaving Mauritius,” said Amb. Mwesigye.
In his opening remarks, he noted that both countries are famed for natural beauty and diverse tourism. “While Mauritius is known for luxury beach resorts and marine activities, Uganda offers biodiversity, adventure, cultural tourism, and unique attractions such as gorillas and the source of the River Nile,” he said.
Mugarra added that tourism flows should work both ways. “Before Covid, over 1,000 Ugandans visited Mauritius annually. Now the number has dropped to about 300, with many shifting to Mombasa. We can work together to rebuild these numbers,” he said. He praised Mauritius’ commitment to the partnership and encouraged Mauritians to invest in Uganda’s tourism sector. He also highlighted Uganda’s export potential in products such as milk and coffee.
Avihash Teelock, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, called the partnership a major opportunity. He suggested direct flights between the two countries, citing Nairobi as an example, and stressed the importance of sustainable tourism and private sector partnerships.
Amb. Sookun Rajkumar, Director for the African Union at the Mauritian Foreign Ministry, recalled his recent stay in Kampala. He praised Uganda’s hospitality and Lake Victoria’s scale. He also thanked Uganda for supporting Mauritius in reclaiming the Chagos Archipelago and noted opportunities in fruit exports.
Uganda Tourism Board’s Samora Machel Semakula highlighted Uganda’s biodiversity, cultural diversity, and adventure tourism. He noted Uganda ranks sixth in Africa for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and is expected to rise further.
Afrireps CEO Claire Mugabi said Uganda offers untapped experiences, giving Mauritian operators premium opportunities. With her partner Diana, she launched an eight-day familiarisation trip for November 8–16, 2025, covering Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Minister Mugarra also met his Mauritian counterpart Jean Sydney Pierre in Port Louis. They agreed to draft an MoU on tourism cooperation, aiming to build a complementary framework that boosts visitor numbers for both countries.
.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
