AND THE WINNER IS …
(Posted 13th January 2017)
The annual Ekkula Awards – Ekkula meaning Treasure – in Uganda were held over the weekend in Kampala, bringing together the who is who of the Ugandan tourism industry. Ahead of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, which will kick off on the 17th later this week at the Sheraton Kampala gardens were, following an open voting process, the winners of this year’s edition in 28 categories announced, among them both Emirates and Ethiopian airlines as carriers seen as supportive to the sector. The Busoga Tourism Initiative – recently highlighted here with a serialization of the chapters of a new book – won for the second time the award as most active tourism cluster in the country.The event was attended by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Dr. Ruhukana Rugunda, showing the support of the Ugandan government to the tourism industry.
Best Traditional Cuisine Restaurant
- 2k RESTAURANT
Best Private Cultural Center
- IGONGO CULTURAL CENTRE
Best Tourism Training Center.
- UGANDA HOTEL & TOURISM TRAINING INSTITUTE. (JINJA)
Private Wildlife Conservation Center
- NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY- LAKE VICTORIA
Best Tourism Blog/Magazine
- VIEW UGANDA
BEST SUPPORTING TOURISM PHOTOGRAPHER
- L-JOE EXPERIENCE
Best Traditional Dance Troupe
- ROCKIES TROUPE
Best Tourism Promotional/Cultural Fusion Song
- NJOGEREZA-NAVIO.
Best Tourism Initiative
- TULAMBULE WEEKEND ESCAPE
Best Night Spot
- CLUB AMNESIA (KAMPALA)
Best Eco Lodge/Resort
- CRATER SAFARI LODGE KIBALE
Most Active Tourism Cluster
- BUSOGA TOURISM INITIATIVE
Best Institutional Museum And Antique Center
- NAMUGONGO MUSEUM (Faith Based)
Best Community Museums/Antique Center
- GREAT LAKES MUSEUM.
Best Tourism Supporting Journalist
- SHABAN SENYANGE (URBAN TV)
Best Supporting Corporate Company
- MOVIT PRODUCTS.
Best Recreational Center
- •KAVUMBA RECREATION CENTER
Best Supporting Airlines (Economy Class)
- •ETHIOPIAN AIRWAYS.
Best Supporting Airlines (Business Class)
- •EMIRATES AIRLINES
OUTSTANDING TOURISM ROLE MODEL
- AMOS WEKESA
BEST TOURISM AMBASSADOR
- DENIS ONYANGO- (African Player of Year)
MOST USER FRIENDLY TOURISM ASSOCIATION
- ASSOCIATION OF UGANDA TOUR OPERATORS (AUTO)
TOURISM EVENT OF THE YEAR
- KAMPALA CITY FESTIVAL.
BEST SUPPORTING HOTEL
- HOTEL AFRICANA
YOUNG TOURISM ACHIEVER AWARD
- IRENE NAKITENDE
BEST SERVICE/LUXURY STANDARD HOTEL
- SPEKE RESORT MUNYONYO
TOP TOURISM INVESTOR
- MARASA AFRICA LODGES.
LIFETIME TOURISM ACHIEVER’s AWARD
- MR RAYMOND ENGENA.
