Vision Group triumphs at Tourism Excellence Awards

NewVision's Solomon Oleny and Urban TVs Shaban Senyange displaying the awards of Best Tourism Journalist and Best Tourism TV show respectively.Photo by Eddie Sejjoba

The Second Edition of the Tourism Excellence Awards Organized by the Ministry of Tourism through the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) yesterday saw Vision Group bag two media awards, at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

The Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of the tourism industry, giving recognition through the awards program as a way of showing appreciation for the hard work and dedication to individuals and companies that have led to the tremendous growth of Uganda's tourism over the years.

Unlike most awards, it is more of a ceremonial festival than an outright formal event—as it strives at showcasing Uganda's Tourism. Accordingly, respective aspects that make Uganda a distinctive destination took center stage; such included its culinary life, traditional and contemporary music.

The flamboyant event started off at 7:30pm local time shortly after the arrival of the chief guest, Vice President Edward Ssekandi.
The event was fired up by celebrated Radio Personality Roger Mugisha who spiced up the evening with a flashback of Uganda's tourism.

Among the victors of the night were Amos Wekesa and Agnes Kemigisa who emerged as Best Male and Female personalities respectively.

On the other hand, New Vision's Travel Writer Solomon Oleny and Urban TVs Eco-Zone scooped the Best Tourism Journalist and Best Tourism TV show, respectively. This makes NewVision the only other Corporate Company to scoop more than one award apart from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

In his speech as read by Ssekandi, President Museveni urged investors to tap the sector in a bid to restore its lost glory as the most visited destination in East Africa, as was the case in 1960s.

"Uganda is vibrant melting pot for tourism, the best time to invest  is now considering its growing at  a very promising pace. The Government is fully committed to enabling you flourish at all fronts." Sekandi read

In support of the Presidents recommendation, Stephen Asiimwe Chief Executive Officer of UTB called on Ugandans to be part of the ongoing developments purposed to promote tourism in Uganda.

"Uganda is several times more endowed than these countries we admire; this is something you can only realize by taking time to travel. The best part of the story is that costs of exploring most of the crème attractions especially National Parks is minimal for domestic tourists." said Asiimwe

 

Full list of 25 winners

Best male tourism personality - Amos Wekesa
Best female tourism personality - Agnes Kemigisa

Best Travel Agent - Intek Travel
Best Airline - RwandAir

Best Tour Operator - Matooke Tours

Best Luxury Accommodation - Kampala Serena Hotel
Best Mid-Range Accommodation - Mutanda Lake Resort
Best Budget Accommodation - Mweya Hostel and Cottages
Best Homestay - Tinka's Homestead

Best Conservation Institution - Uganda Wildlife Authority
Best Conservation Personality - Lilly Ajarova of Ngamba Island
Best Cultural or Community Tourism Initiative - Entanda Community
Best Wildlife Destination - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Best Cultural Destination - Tooro Kingdom
Best Tourism Programme TV - Urban TV Ecozone
Best Tourism Journalist - Solomon Oleny
Best Digital Media - Diary of a Muzungy by Charlotte Beauvoisin

Best General Safari Guide - Alex Gabiito
Best Cultural Guide - Tamwenya Paul
Best Exhibitor Regional Tourism Clusters - Lango
Best Exhibitor Regional Tourism Clusters - Kigezi
Most Active Social Media Profile Female - Kate Webster
Most Active Social Media Profile Male - Prof. Wolfgang H. Thome
Best Exhibitor National Tourist Boards - Rwanda Development Board
Best Exhibitor overall - Serena Hotels