The Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) will hold its 2026 Annual Tourism Gala on November 27, bringing together players across Uganda’s tourism industry for an evening dedicated to recognising sector achievements, strengthening partnerships and advancing sustainable tourism.
The gala, initially scheduled for October 17, has been rescheduled under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, Shared Responsibility,” reflecting AUTO’s call for tourism businesses, government agencies, development partners and local communities to work together to protect Uganda’s tourism assets and support the industry’s growth.
The announcement was made at a press conference at Mestil Hotel & Residences in Kampala, attended by representatives of tourism institutions, private-sector businesses and development partners.
For AUTO, which represents more than 400 tour operators, the annual gala is a key industry gathering that recognises the businesses connecting visitors to Uganda’s wildlife, cultural heritage, adventure experiences and other tourism attractions.
This year’s event will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the changing demands of the international tourism market and the measures needed to keep Ugandan businesses competitive.
AUTO Chief Executive Officer Matilda Iremera said the gala was intended to bring the tourism community together to recognise its work and strengthen relationships that support the sector.
“The AUTO Annual Tourism Gala is an opportunity for the tourism community to come together, recognise the work being done across the sector and strengthen the partnerships needed for its future,” Iremera said.
She invited tourism businesses, partners and members of the public to participate in the November 27 gathering, emphasising that sustainability requires shared commitment across the industry.
Sustainability takes centre stage at AUTO Gala
The choice of theme places responsible tourism at the heart of this year’s gala, with increasing international attention on how tourism businesses manage their environmental impact, engage local communities and demonstrate credible sustainability practices.
Daniel Irunga, Senior Brand Officer at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), said sustainability had become a recurring priority at international tourism conferences, exhibitions and roadshows.
He highlighted the role of tour operators, guides and hoteliers in converting interest in Uganda into actual visits and shaping the experiences that international travellers take home.
“The people who help convert interest into actual visits are the people who receive tourists and interact with them, together with guides and hoteliers. You are the foot soldiers,” Irunga said.
He warned that businesses that fail to prepare for changing international expectations could lose opportunities to work with overseas travel agents, who are increasingly considering sustainability credentials when choosing partners.
Irunga said compliance, recognised standards and certification were becoming important considerations for tourism businesses seeking to build and maintain international relationships.
Training to precede the November gathering
In preparation for the gala, UTB said it would work with AUTO and other partners to organise training sessions aimed at helping tourism businesses understand and respond to sustainability expectations.
Irunga said the initiative was intended to prepare operators for changes already taking place in the international market.
“We are happy to partner with the association and help prepare our sector for sustainability. We have partners willing to support as much training as possible, and we will have training sessions leading up to the gala to bring the industry up to speed,” he said.
He urged tourism businesses to begin adapting their operations immediately, warning that those who postpone action could find themselves disadvantaged when pursuing future business opportunities.
The training initiative adds a practical dimension to the gala’s theme, connecting the event’s call for collective responsibility with efforts to strengthen the preparedness of tourism enterprises.
Beyond recognising achievements, the AUTO Annual Tourism Gala is expected to provide a platform for tourism stakeholders to renew partnerships and discuss priorities affecting the sector’s development.
AUTO’s membership of more than 400 tour operators gives the association a broad connection to businesses responsible for packaging and selling Uganda’s tourism experiences to visitors.
The industry’s long-term prospects depend not only on attracting tourists but also on protecting the natural and cultural attractions that underpin the country’s appeal and ensuring that tourism creates meaningful benefits for local communities.
Through the November 27 gala, AUTO is bringing that responsibility into focus, calling on businesses, public institutions and development partners to play their part in building a sustainable and competitive tourism industry.
The rescheduled event will therefore combine industry recognition with a broader appeal for collaboration, as Uganda’s tourism players seek to strengthen their businesses and respond to evolving global expectations.
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