ATEI Hosts Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards Winners at Kikorongo Safari Lodge

Africa Tourism and Environment Initiatives (ATEI), the brainchild of the prestigious Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards, hosted the 2024 award winners for a special retreat at Kikorongo Safari Lodge. 

This exclusive event celebrated excellence in sustainable tourism while providing an opportunity for learning, networking, and environmental advocacy but above all to celebrate the winners' achievements, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore some of the natural attractions in Kasese.

The winners had the opportunity to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, and the Equator Monument. These visits served as a learning experience on the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism. 

As a key highlight of the retreat, in-depth discussions on tourism sustainability took center stage.

Launch of Anti-Litter Campaign in Kasese
One of the standout moments of the retreat was the official launch of the Anti-Litter Campaign in Kasese.

This vital initiative was spearheaded by Miss Tourism Rwenzori with the support of Kikorongo Safari Lodge.

The campaign aims to promote environmental cleanliness, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park and its surrounding areas, to maintain the region as a top-tier tourism destination.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the proprietor of Kikorongo Safari Lodge, emphasized the need for a clean and sustainable tourism hotspot.

"Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most visited and iconic tourist attractions. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that it remains clean and pristine for future generations. As stakeholders in the tourism sector, we must take active steps to promote environmental sustainability," he stated.

The reigning Miss Tourism Rwenzori emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment, especially in key tourism hotspots like Queen Elizabeth National Park.

"Sustainability starts with small, consistent actions. Keeping our tourism sites clean not only enhances visitor experience but also preserves the beauty and integrity of our natural resources." Noted Muhindo.

Kikorongo Safari Lodge Championing Sustainability
Kikorongo Safari Lodge, which won the award for Best Sustainable Lodge of the Year at the Ekkula Awards, took the opportunity to showcase its sustainability efforts.

Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the proprietor outlined the lodge’s initiatives to maintain an eco-friendly operation, including non-use of polythene bags and hopes 100% compliance by the end of this year, waste management strategies, use of solar energy, water conservation measures, and community engagement programs that empower local communities while promoting responsible tourism.

The award winners were also taken through practical sustainable tourism tips, including eco-friendly practices that can be implemented in their respective fields.

Advancing Sustainable Tourism Practices
Bismac Moses Amumpaire, the Executive Director of ATEI and founder of the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards, reiterated the importance of sustainable tourism practices in Uganda.

"If we want to see Uganda’s tourism industry flourish while protecting our natural resources, we must integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations. This retreat serves as a platform to exchange ideas and inspire each other to do better for our environment and communities," Amumpaire remarked.

The retreat also provided a valuable networking platform tourism professionals, conservationists, and stakeholders to forge partnerships that will drive sustainable tourism development.