UG Ongoing

World Tourism Day Celebrations

Name: World Tourism Day Celebrations
Start: 2026-09-01
End: 2026-09-30
Location: Mbale

Uganda's 2026 national celebrations for World Tourism Day take place throughout September in Mbale City and the wider Elgon region. The month-long program features a diverse range of activities including cultural festivals, tourism exhibitions, and community engagements designed to showcase the region's heritage and tourism potential.

Date: Sep 1-30, 2026
Location: Mbale
Status: Ongoing

+ Add ICS

Event summary

Highlights

Free entry to selected national parks from September 25-27
Main celebration ceremony in Mbale City on September 27
Unveiling of a new tourism monument in Mbale
Miss Tourism Grand Finale and regional pageants

The 2026 celebrations are organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities under the theme "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism." While the global observance is held on September 27, Uganda hosts a full month of events centered in Mbale City. Key activities include the Miss Tourism Grand Finale, a regional tourism forum, and inter-school competitions featuring cultural dances and poetry.

A major highlight for the public is the Open Park Day held from September 25 to 27, offering free entry to selected savannah national parks. The program also integrates community-focused events such as a medical camp, sports competitions including cycling and football, and a culinary festival. The official main ceremony takes place on September 27 at the Mbale Secondary School grounds.

Legacy projects for the host city include the unveiling of a new monument. The month concludes with organized tours of the Elgon region, such as the Explore Masaba Tour, and an annual review conference to discuss the state of the tourism sector and its role in economic development.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Mbale City; www.tourism.go.ug
Area for browsing nearby events: Mbale

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.