Introduction
Ekkula is a Ugandan local word implying Pearl. Pearl of Africa stands to imply the most elegant Nation on this majestic Continent of Africa. Tourism
Awards is an activity where stakeholders in the tourism industry are recognised and awarded accordingly.
Ekkula PAT Awards and Exhibition is an annual activity that Researches, Nominates, Exhibits, Recognises and Awards those that selflessly put
Uganda’s tourism to admirable heights. These will include both Ugandans and non-Ugandans.
This is the fifth edition of Ekkula Tourism Awards, which will be the first one since the industry was hot by covid19.
Rationale
Tourism is a weighty field of consumption and a powerful service sector that contributes about ten percent to the world’s GDP. Sustainable
consumption and production patterns are central to sustainable tourism. It is one of the world’s fastest growing industries and an important source
of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries,
especially developing countries.
This year’s 5th edition will run under the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism and Promotion of Green Initiatives’ with special focus on the Sustainable
Development Goals – Journey to 2030 on how tourism sector can contribute towards the implementation and achievement of the 17 SDGs; aiming
to inspire governments, policymakers and tourism
Relationship between Tourism and Sustainable Development. (SDG’s)
Sustainable tourism is “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts whilst addressing the
needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
While sustainability implies permanence, any sustainable tourism should make optimal use of resources, minimize ecological, cultural and social
impacts, and maximize benefits to conservation and local communities.
SDG 8 Decent Work And Economic Growth
By giving access to decent work opportunities in the tourism sector, society –particularly youth and women – can benefit from increased skills and
professional development.
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption And Production
The tourism sector needs to adopt sustainable consumption and production (SCP) modes, accelerating the shift towards sustainability. Tools to
monitor sustainable development impacts for
Categories Include;
- Exceptional Social Media Promoter.
- Best Tourism Photographer.
- Most Active Tourism Cluster.
- Finest Traditional Dance Troupe.
- Best Private Wildlife Conservation Center.
- Most User Friendly Tourism Association
- Best Food Event Of The Year.
- Fashion Event Of The Year.
- Overall Best Tourism Event.
- Remarkable Digital Transporter.
- Best Airline Of The Year-International (Economy Class.)
- Best Airline Of The Year-International (Business Class.)
- Exceptional Fast Foods Restaurant.
- Best Standard Service Hotel.
- Best Eco Safari Lodge.
- Exceptional New Hotel Of The Year.
- Best Service And Luxury Business Hotel.
- Speacial Service Recognition.
- Young Tourism Achiever.
- Tourism Ambassodor Of The Year.
- Tourism Personality Of The Year.
- Outstanding Tour Guides. (Four)
- Lifetime Tourism Achiever.
KEY ASPECTS TO CELEBRATE.
Explore Uganda
As the world starts to recover from the effects of the pandemic and opening up borders and skies to global tourism, Uganda, has refreshed
its tourism destination brand promise, with the unveiling of a new brand identity that promises both domestic, regional and global tourists, an
adventure of a lifetime.The brand identity, Explore Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, was unveiled on Friday, 21st January 2022, by the country’s
president, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. This edition of Ekkula tourism awards will look into those who have
promoted the Explore Uganda campaign to greater heights.
The Revival of the Uganda Airlines
The revival of the Uganda Airlines which last operated in 2001 began flying again in 2019 a venture that is seen to impact both domestic and
regional tourism is by far the best thing worth a celebration in the 5th edition of Ekkula Tourism Awards.
Explore Uganda Wins Three Awards
We shall celebrate the Gold Award for Tourist Destination Country-in Africa,
Gold Award for Tourist Destination Country at a prestigious awards Ceremony
held at the Cape Town City Hall received by UTB. The International Tourism
Film Festival (ITFF) Africa Awards are part of the world’s leading film festivals.
Mission
To Celebrate and Motivate Stakeholders in the tourism industry as we
promote Uganda’s Wealth of Attractions and further justify Uganda
as a true Nation Gifted by Nature-The Pearl of Africa.
Vision
To see more people motivated and involved in Uganda’s Tourism as the
Industry further impacts Ugandans in Uganda and those in the diaspora
both economically and socially.