Kampala, (UG): Ewaffe Cultural Village, a contemporary destination for Uganda’s unique cultural norms and traditions has been recognized as the Cultural Heritage Champion of the Year at the 2024 Ekkula Pearl of Tourism Awards held over the weekend.
The awards held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala under the theme, “Advancing sustainable tourism, peace, and green investments for improved livelihoods,” celebrated a total of 22 individuals and organisations awarded for their role in the promotion of sustainable tourism in Uganda.
Ewaffe Village stood out as the voters’ choice beating three other competitors in the category who included; Afri Art Fashion Show, Destination Ankole, and Nshenyi Cultural Village.
“We are super honored to bag a second award this year from the Tourism Industry. Thank you for supporting #Ewaffe all through dear friends,” Ewaffe posted in a Monday social media message on X, formerly Twitter.
The 2024 Tourism Awards also marked the launch of the Ekkula sustainable tourism festival which will be held in different regions of Uganda showcasing Uganda’s diverse cultural and natural heritage, and will culminate in the eighth edition of the awards and a remarkable achievement of 10 years of Ekkula Awards.
Speaking at the function, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa who presided over the awards as the Chief Guest hailed initiatives like the Ekkula Awards for promoting tourism in the country. “Tourism is the backbone of our economy, creating employment, attracting investments, and generating foreign currency inflows,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa said a whopping Ugx55 billion has been allocated to Uganda’s embassies to enhance international promotion, with a focus on branding and marketing Uganda globally. “Our commitment to digitizing the economy and advancing tourism will solidify Uganda’s position as a premier travel destination,” he emphasized.
On the Awards night, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia’s Speke Resort Munyonyo was named the Best Sustainable Hotel of the Year while Eliot Mugisha (Rambura Safaris) was awarded the sustainable tourism youth championship of the year. See full list of winners here
About Ewaffe Cultural Village
Situated in Nakifuma, Mukono District, about 30 km away from the Ugandan Capital Kampala, Ewaffe Cultural Village was founded by one Aisha Nabwanika primarily to address the gap in cultural tourism in Uganda.
The contemporary village is a gateway to a world where food tourism and cultural immersion unite. From farm tours to cooking lessons, fishing experiences, and pottery workshops to mesmerizing storytelling sessions.
At the facility, guests are greeted by traditional dancers and musicians. They are then served freshly squeezed banana juice served in gourds, a traditional cup.
Ewaffe Village was recently awarded the Best Cultural Tourism Experience of the Year 2024 award at the World Tourism Day Celebrations by the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities. And the Ekkula Award further cements its position as an ideal destination to discover true African traditions and cultures.
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