KAMPALA – After being appointed among eminent honorary wildlife ambassadors this year, tycoon Sudhir Rupareria has on Friday, March 29 night been awarded a certificate of Lifetime Tourism Achiever during the weekend Tourism Awards.
The ward was during the Ekkula Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards, now in their fourth year that recognizes the individuals and brands “that love Uganda relentlessly and stand out in the tourism industry for their selfless service”. Brand Ambassadors 256 are the organisers of the awards.
This year’s Awards gala held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah presided over the ceremony characterized by pomp, red carpet, entertainment, and dining.
The event was hosted by Next Radio presenter, Qitiu and NBS TV anchor, Samson Kasumba.
It brought together key players and influencers within Uganda’s tourism sector, including State Minister for Tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, the Chief Executive of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Lily Ajarova, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority Samuel Mwandha, heads of tour companies and Associations, tourism beauty queens, and guests.
Mr. Rupareria, a philanthropist who also has massive investments in the industry was recently recognised for becoming a guardian to ‘Ruparelia’, a baby chimp at Ngamba sanctuary as a gesture of supporting conservation efforts in the country.
Oulanyah said:
“I thank the government and private players for putting resources together to see how we can improve the sector because it holds the treasure of this country and if we invest in it we don’t have to look elsewhere for assistance”.
“I want to dedicate this award to all you who have made it happen and thank you so much,” said Minister Kiwanda Suubi State Minister of Tourism.
BELOW IS THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Lifetime Tourism Achiever – Sudhir Ruparelia
Tourism Personality of the Year – Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi
Best Overall Tourism Event – Nyege Nyege Festival
Best Food Event – Rolex Festival
Best Domestic Airline – Aero Link
Best User-Friendly Digital Transport – SafeBoda
Best International Airline (Economy) – Ethiopian Airlines
Best International (Business) – Emirates
Best Tourism Photographer – Mathias Mugisha
Most Active Tourism Cluster – Kigezi
Most Attractive Tourism Association – Association of Uganda Tour Operators
Finest Traditional Dance Troupe – Kika Dance Troupe
Best Private Wildlife Conservation Centre – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Exceptional Tourism Promoter on Social Media – Sarah Kagingo
Best Promotional Cultural Event – Bakiga Nation
Best Fashion Event – Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards
Young Tourism Achiever – Natalie Bitature
Tourism Ambassador – Zarinah Tlale
Ugandan Cuisines Restaurant – -Shaka Zulu
Standard Service Hotel – Wash & Wills
Eco Safari Lodge – Seranada Eco Resort
New Hotel of the Year – Skyz Hotel Naguru
Service and Luxury Biz Hotel – Speke Resort Munyonyo
Fast Foods Restaurant – CafeJavas
Tour Guides – Ashley Brian, Ben, Denis Arinitwe
