From January 8th to 11th, 2026, the Exclusive Sustainable Tour Operators Association (ESTOA) proudly represented Uganda at Vakantiebeurs 2026, one of the leading tourism trade and consumer exhibitions in Europe. Held in the vibrant city of Utrecht, the expo brought together global destinations, travel professionals, and adventure seekers all under one roof to celebrate the future of travel.
Bringing the Pearl of Africa to the Netherlands
At the heart of our participation was a simple but powerful mission:
To position Uganda as a leading sustainable and responsible tourism destination.
Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, continues to captivate travelers with its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, vibrant cultures, and authentic community experiences. During the four-day exhibition, ESTOA showcased:
•Eco-friendly safari experiences
•Community-led tourism initiatives
•Conservation-driven travel packages
•Sustainable lodges and eco-camps
•Gorilla and wildlife tracking adventures
Visitors to our stand were particularly inspired by Uganda’s commitment to conservation, ethical tourism practices, and the meaningful impact tourism has on local communities.
Meaningful Connections & Shared Vision
Vakantiebeurs 2026 provided an excellent platform to connect with:
•European tour operators
•Travel agents and wholesalers
•Sustainable travel advocates
•Media representatives
•Individual travelers passionate about responsible travel
One thing became clear throughout our conversations:
The future of tourism is sustainable.
There is a growing demand among European travelers for destinations that prioritize environmental protection, community empowerment, and authentic cultural engagement. Uganda stands proudly at the forefront of this movement.
Promoting Green Travel
Our discussions revolved around how Uganda’s tourism sector is embracing:
•Low-impact travel experiences
•Support for local entrepreneurs
•Wildlife conservation efforts
•Responsible gorilla trekking practices
•Climate-conscious lodge operations
Through ESTOA’s network of responsible tour operators, Uganda continues to set an example of how tourism can be both profitable and protective of nature.
Strengthening Uganda–Europe Tourism Relations
Participating in Vakantiebeurs strengthened Uganda’s presence in the Benelux market and reinforced partnerships with like-minded industry players. The Netherlands remains a key source market for Uganda, particularly for adventure and wildlife tourism.
By engaging directly with travel enthusiasts and professionals, we further positioned Uganda as:
✔ A safe and welcoming destination
✔ A biodiversity hotspot
✔ A leader in sustainable African tourism
✔ A destination offering once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences
Looking Ahead
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who visited our stand, engaged in discussions, and showed interest in discovering Uganda.
The connections made in Utrecht are just the beginning. We look forward to welcoming many of you to experience Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountain gorillas, rich birdlife, and warm hospitality firsthand.
See you in the wild.
For partnership inquiries or to explore sustainable Uganda travel packages, contact ESTOA today and be part of responsible tourism that makes a difference.
