Speke Resort Convention Centre, located in Munyonyo, Kampala, has become a premier venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in Uganda. Its world-class facilities, strategic location near Entebbe International Airport, and stunning lakeside views have made it a top choice for high-profile events in the region. The centre’s impact on tourism, business, and lifestyle is evident through the caliber of events it hosts and its contribution to positioning Uganda as a key MICE destination in Africa.
Top 10 Events Hosted at Speke Resort Convention Centre
1. Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE): This major annual tourism event brings together international tourism industry professionals, stakeholders, and government officials. In 2024, it attracted over 5,000 trade visitors, focusing on responsible tourism and sustainable development.
2. Uganda-EU Business Forum: A significant business event that brought together over 3,600 participants, both online and in person, to discuss trade and investment opportunities between Uganda and the European Union.
3. African Union Summit: The convention centre has hosted multiple regional and continental meetings, including the prestigious African Union Summit, which brought together heads of state and government officials to discuss key development issues across the continent.
4. East African Business Summit: This summit attracted top business leaders and policy makers from across the region, focusing on economic integration, trade facilitation, and investment in East Africa.
5. Commonwealth Local Government Forum: A key event in promoting good governance and decentralization, the forum gathered local government leaders, civil society representatives, and international partners.
6. Africa Climate Week: Hosted by the United Nations, this event addressed pressing climate change issues in Africa, bringing together environmental experts, activists, and policymakers.
7. Uganda International Oil & Gas Summit (UIOGS): A vital platform for discussing investment and operational opportunities in Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas industry, drawing participants from the global energy sector.
8. World Health Summit Regional Meeting: Focused on global health challenges, this meeting attracted health experts, policy makers, and donors to explore health innovations and policy development in Africa.
9. Global Youth Summit on Sustainable Development: Speke Resort has been a focal point for youth events, with this summit emphasizing the role of youth in driving sustainable development in Africa.
10. Annual Uganda Bankers’ Conference: A flagship event for the financial sector, gathering top banking executives, regulators, and international experts to discuss financial inclusion and digital banking.
Impact on Kampala and Uganda’s MICE Industry
The Speke Resort Convention Centre has significantly boosted Uganda’s profile as a MICE destination, attracting a variety of international and regional events. Its inclusion in the prestigious International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has cemented its status as a world-class venue, providing access to a global network of event professionals and resources to elevate its service delivery.
Contribution to Tourism and Lifestyle
The success of high-profile events at Speke Resort has had a ripple effect on Uganda’s tourism industry. Events like the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo promote Uganda’s cultural and natural attractions, thereby increasing international tourist arrivals. Additionally, the venue’s luxurious facilities and accommodation options contribute to the growing trend of combining business with leisure, enhancing Uganda’s appeal as a holistic travel destination.
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