Ekkula Tourism Awards: Abenakyo, Zari in battle for best ambassador

Ministry of Tourism has unveiled the nomination list for 2019 Ekkula Tourism Awards, featuring the major contributors and sectors that promote Tourism.

Stiff competition is sighted in the Best Tourism Ambassador of the year category, as these nominations have positioned the reining Miss World Africa Quiin Abenakyo and socialite Zari Hassan in the same category.

These two have in 2018 received honors from Ministry of Tourism as Goodwill Ambassadors, because of their contribution towards Tourism industry Abenakyo (Miss World Africa 2018/19), Zari Hassan (Tulambule campaign).

Nominations were done in several sectors that contribute towards tourism like, Promotion section, tourism event section, transporters section, Accommodation and eating houses, Exceptional personalities.

According to organizers, Ekkula Tourism Awards are organized to recognize and appreciate the major contributors and stalk holders in the tourism section.

Voting in these awards will end on March 27, and the award night gala will take place on Friday March 29 2019, at Kampala Sheraton Hotel.

Here is the full list of nominations

Promoters Section

Exceptional Social Media Promoter.

Jonathan Bennah
Baluku Geofrey
Sarah Kagingo
Amos Wekesa

 Best Tourism Photographer                                                                                  
Mo Latif
Sebumma Ivan
Matias Mugisha
Peter Hogel

Most Active Tourism Cluster.

Kigezi Tourism Cluster
Westnile
Eastern Entrepreneurship Tourism Network
Acholi Tourism Cluster

 Finest traditional Dance Troupe.      
Crane Performers
Kika Dance Troupe
Mizizi Ensemble
Rockies Troupe

Best Private Wildlife Conservation Center.
Reptile Village
Kavumba Wildlife Education Center.
Rhino Fund Ug-Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Crocodile Farm. (Camp Crocs)

Most User Friendly Tourism Association
Uganda Hotel Owners Asscoiation. (Uhoa)
Association Of Uganda Tour Operators. (Auto)
Uganda Safari Guides Association. (Usaga)
Uganda Community Tourism Association. (Ucota)

Tourism Events Section

Best Food Event Of The Year.
Roast And Rhyme
Fish Festival
Rolex Festival
Muchomo Festival

Best Cultural Promotional Event.
Ekyoto-International Cultural Fair
Bakiga Nation
Acholi Festival
Imbalu Cultural Festival

Fashion Event Of The Year.
Kampala Fashion Week.
Abrayanz Style And Fashion Show.
Pearl Of Africa Fashion Awards
Hot Pink  Cat Walk-Malengo

Overall Best Tourism Event 2018.
Bakiga Nation
Rolex Festival
Nyege Nyege Festival
Blankets And Wines.

Transporters Section

Remarkable Digital Transporter.
Quick Taxi
Safe Boda
Uber
Taxify

Best Airline Of The Year. (Domestic)
Eagle Air
Aerolink
Kampala Executive Aviation.

Best Airline Of The Year-International (Economy Class.)
Egypt Air
Ethiopian Airlines
Qatar Airways
South African Airways.

Best Airline Of The Year-International (Business Class.)
Brussels Airlines
KLM
Ethiopian Airlines
Emirates

Accommodation And Eating Houses

Exceptional Fast Foods Restaurant.
Java House
Kfc
Chillies Restaurant
Café Javas

Best Ugandan Cuisines Restaurant.
African Pot
Shaka Zulu Restaurant
2k Restaurant
Kembabazi’s Restaurant

Best Standard Service Hotel.
Nyange Resort And Marina
Wash And Wheels-Mbale
Boma Hotel-Gulu
Hotel Triangle

Best Eco Safari Lodge.
Serenada Eco Resort
Malakai Eco Lodge
Heritage Safari Lodge
Park View Safari Lodge

Outstanding New Hotel Of The Year.

Mestil
Hotel Triangle
Skyz Hotel Naguru
Golden Tulip

Best Service And Luxury Business Hotel.
Imperial Royale
Sheraton Hotel
Speke Resort Munyonyo
Serena Hotel.

Exceptional Personalities

Young Tourism Achiever.
Enid Mirembe (Rolex Festival)
Nataliey Bitature (Protea/Skyz)
Naminya Saleh  (Casa Del Tourista)
Owen Bigombe (Bakiga Nation)

Tourism Ambassador Of The Year.

Elma Chapel Challa (Miss Tourism Ug’18)
Quin Abenakyo (Reigning Miss World Africa)
Oshua Kiprui Cheptegei (Olympic Gold Medalist)
Zari Hassan (Socialite,Goodwill Ambassador)

Tourism Personality Of The Year.

Amos Wekesa
Hon Kiwanda Godfrey Suubi
Barbra Adoso
Maria Baryomujura

Lifetime Tourism Achiever (To Be Announced And Unveiled On The Awards Night)