UTA members commend Sudhir’s support as they unveils new 5 year strategic plan at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The tourism industry hit a milestone with the launch of the new Uganda Tourism Association (UTA)’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo,  reinforcing the private sector’s critical role in driving innovation, enhancing quality tourism experiences, creating employment, and contributing to national economic transformation, through structured collaboration and sustained engagement.

The strategy according to the organisers looks forward to unlocking greater value across the tourism value chain and strengthening Uganda’s position as a destination of choice for leisure, MICE, adventure, and cultural tourism.

The launch event attracted key industry stakeholders, policymakers, development partners, cultural performers, and private sector actors, all converging to witness what UTA described as a defining moment for the country’s tourism trajectory.

Tourism Champion Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia whose hotel facility hosted the launch was recognised as one of the major private sector supporters of tourism initiatives, and  instrumental in providing platforms for sector dialogues and industry events, underscoring his key role of private investors in supporting the operational and strategic ambitions of the tourism fraternity.

According to UTA leadership, the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is designed to reposition Uganda’s tourism sector through sustainable growth models, strengthened collaboration among players, and adoption of innovative approaches to destination marketing and product development, emphasising: Public-private sector synergy, destination branding and marketing enhancement, capacity building within the tourism value chain, promotion of cultural and heritage tourism among others.

The new plan outlines how the tourism sector will become more competitive and more inclusive over the next five years.

It sets priorities for stronger marketing to international and domestic markets, support for youth employment and skills training, improved quality standards, partnerships between public and private players, and innovation in service delivery.

These focus areas will help strengthen how Uganda positions itself in the world as the Pearl of Africa, supporting Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDP 4) and Vision 2040 goals to grow tourism as a major economic pillar and source of jobs.