The awards ceremony for the 6th Edition of the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards took place on November 24th. The event recognized those who promote sustainable tourism practices, innovations, and services.
This year’s theme was “Greening Tourism for Improved Sustainable Tourism Practices” which aims to provide a vehicle for a climate-resilient and community-led biodiversity conservation approach. The event welcomed notable players in the tourism industry, government, and private sector.
Leading up to this day, a call for nominations in the different categories was passed and a team of judges thoroughly analyzed, researched and came up with four nominees in each category from the overwhelming number received from the public.
A voting portal that accounted for 70% of the total votes was opened for the public to cast their votes. The panel of judges who included Vivian Liaz the AG Tourism commissioner at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Sarah Kagingo the CEO of Soft Power News, Charllotte Beauvoisin Nagawa of the famous diary of a muzungu, Eric Ntalo the head of communication at UWEC Entebbe Zoo and Fanny Martinez CEO Back to the source tours also accounted for their 30% to come up with the final winners in each category.
The Chief Guest Hon. Kabyanga Godfrey, the State minister for ICT was in awe of how the young people are owning up the tourism space and developing products that meet the needs of the industry.
The Minister was full of praise for all successful nominees and winners including Uganda Airlines who won in the category of ‘Sustainable Airline of the Year’,
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Uganda Airlines for making a footprint in the Airline industry in a very short time. The management led by Jennifer Bamuturaki is doing a great job.” Hon. Kabyanga said.
The State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka Congratulated the winners, applauded the nominees for the good work they are doing and pledged full support from his Ministry to the initiative’s organisers going forward.
Bismac Moses Amumpaire the team leader of Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI), the brainchild of Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards Congratulated the winners and applauded the nominees for the good work they are doing in promoting Uganda as a preferred tourism destination.
“I wish to extend hearty gratitude to all nominees, their beneficiaries and supporters, and commendable finalists in this year’s Ekkula awards. We appreciate everything you do to make this great nation a sustainable and travellers top choice.”
He reiterated the Initiative’s main pillars, including maintaining the integrity for a secure and unbiased environment for the awards.
“In a realm where awards may easily spark controversy, our essence is woven with threads of fairness, transparency, and resolute integrity. Ultimately, it’s not just the victors who triumph, but the entire tourism industry emerges victorious.”
“Thank you for being part of our journey so far – 6th Edition and growing stronger. Hearty Congratulations to all the accomplished nominees and deserving awardees. Your dedication to practising sustainable tourism is a beacon as we collectively embark on the journey to Explore Uganda.” He added.
The highlight of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award received by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga for her immense contribution to the sector’s growth, Mrs Susan Muhwezi receiving the Honorary Award and the special recognition award received by Railway Museum’s Cross Cultural Foundation Uganda (CCFU) that is funded by the European Union among others.
Below are the finalists in this year’s Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards.
- Tourism Media Personality 2023– Peninah Nantume – BBS TV.
- Travel Photographer Of 2023– Marvin Miles Mugerwa
- Tourism Supportive Media House– NBS Television
- Young Tourism Personality.(Two Awardees)
– Naahwera Daphine (Sunset Traveller)
– Irene Allen Namisango (Uganda Uncovered)
- Tourism Ambassador of the Year-Ssenyonyi Derrick
- Outstanding Tour Guide –David Acaye.
- Sustainable Woman of Tourism –Racheal Kakungulu Kilama.
- Sustainable Tourism Personality– Civy R Tumusiime. AUTO Chairperson/Pakuba Lodge.
- Cultural Tourism Award 2023 – Kagulu Rock Royal Trek.
- Innovative Tourism Award. -Conservation Through Commercialization. (CTC)
- East Africa Tourism Event of the Year –Kwita Izina – Rwanda.
- Sustainable Airline of the Year –Uganda Airlines.
- Exceptional Restaurant 2023 –Baguma Restaurant.
- Sustainable Boutique Hotel –Casa Solada.
- Sustainable Eco Lodge 2023 –Adere Safari Lodge-Kidepo National Park.
- Outstanding Service Hotel – Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
- 17. Best Luxury and Business Hotel –Speke Resort Munyonyo
- User Friendly Transport of The Year – Aerolink.
- East African Tourism Destination 2023 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
- Sustainable Tour Operator- (Two Awardees)
– Churchill Tailored Safaris.
– Speke Uganda Holidays.
- Inclusive Tourism Champion– Isitoshe Tours and Travel.
- Most Sustainable Tourism Association – Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA)
- Tourism Honorary Award –Mrs Susan Muhwezi.
- 24. Lifetime Tourism Achievement –Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga.
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