Uganda to host first Tourism Awards

By Solomon Oleny

While it is a known fact that Uganda's tourism sector is the country's biggest foreign exchange earner contributing over $1.4b to the country's GDP, almost nothing is known about the unsung heroes or institutions that brought this dream to life.

In honour of such heroes whose efforts have put Uganda on the travel map, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in partnership with Ekkula, an indigenous Non-Government Organization is organizing the first Tourism and conservation awards in over four years.

Named EKKULA PEARL OF AFRICA TOURISM AWARDS & EXHIBITION, the event will be hosted at Hotel Africana on the November 4- 5 under the theme "Let the world know!"

In line with this theme, Dr. Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, notes that the event will be dedicated to showcasing the international travel fraternity what makes Uganda a true Pearl of the endowed Continent, Africa.

To achieve this ambition, the first day of the event will primarily be dedicated to exhibiting the various tourism products that the country has.

"This will be crowned with the celebration of the various entities, institutions and personalities whose works have fuelled the sustainability and growth of the tourism sector." She says

Mutagamba adds that the prestigious event will equally unveil the various investments opportunities in the largely underexploited sector that citizens can tap.

According to Innocent Nabaasa, the public relations officer of the awards which will take place annually, the event will be graced by a panel of judges Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Association among others.

However, all nominations will be done by the public via SMS and social media platforms especially Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Among the many categories to be honoured include: Best Tour & Travel Company of the Year, Best Safari Lodge of the Year, Best Tour Guide of the Year, Best Travel T.V show of the Year, Best Supporting Airline of the Year, Tourism Achievers Award of the Year, Best News Paper Tourism Column of the Year, Best Tourism Initiative, Best Tourism Supporting Hotel of the Year, Best National Park of the Year, Best Cultural Group/Center of the Year, Best Tourism Investor of the Year, Best Overall Officer of the Year and Best Eco-Resort of the Year.

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