01. MTWA sees off 300 people in a drive to promote domestic tourism in the Elgon Region
In a bid to amplify tourism visits in the Elgon region and promote it as a top tourist destination, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, with agencies Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, UWEC, UHHTI, and UWRI, and private sector players, on Tuesday 20th December 2022, officially flagged off a team of more than 300 people to the Eastern Uganda route at the Uganda Museum in the domestic tourism promotional drive dubbed “Explore Elgon.” The official raising of the flag was done by the Hon. Martin B. Mugarra, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.
sampling sumptuous roasted chicken and gonja via Mabira Forest, and then stopped at the Jinja Nile bridge for scenic views of the mighty River Nile and picture moments, and then continued to Mbale, Eastern Uganda, where the convoy was welcomed with motorcyclists clad in the Explore Elgon green reflector jackets and a Kadodi treats as a signature welcome to the land of Imbalu at Mbale Courts View Hotel.
The team, led by Hon. Martin B. Mugarra, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, and celebrity influencers from the entertainment industry undertook a climbing expedition to the summit of Wanale Hill, where they also visited Kawuka Cave, the site of the beginning of the Bagisu tribe’s customary circumcision rituals.
Later in the evening, the Hon. State Minister officially opened Mbale Courts View hotel in the presence of Mbale Mayor Mr Cassim Namugali, area MPs including Hon. Karim Masaba MP for Mbale Industrial city division, Hon. Wambedde Seth MP for the northern division, LC-5 Chairman Mr Mafabi Muhammed, RDC Mr Asumin Nasike, and other city and government officials.
02. Turkish Airlines creates aircraft with UEFA Champions League themes
One of the most popular sports tournaments in the world, the UEFA Champions League, has inspired Turkish Airlines to design a special aircraft. Turkish Airlines, the first airline to sponsor the UEFA Champions League, which will have its final in Istanbul in 2023, customised one of its Airbus A330s for the occasion.
On January 1, the UEFA Champions League-themed aircraft with the tail number TC-JNM took to the skies for the first time after receiving its makeover on the TK1821 route from Istanbul Airport to Paris.
Professor Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, announced: “We will host the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul as one of its official sponsors.” Our aeroplane with the UEFA Champions League motif is a monument to our commitment to sports, and we are honoured to be a part of this momentous event, which will also occur during the 100th anniversary of our country.
03. Tourism State Minister: Optimistic Explore Elgon Campaign will boost regional tourism in Eastern Uganda
The much-anticipated Explore Elgon domestic tourism campaign, which is set to take place from December 20–23, 2022 to the Eastern Uganda route, is approaching with a twist.
The campaign intends to highlight the beauty and hidden treasures of the country’s prized tourism sites and attractions strewn around the Eastern region, including Mt. Elgon National Park, Sipi Falls, and Wanale Hill as possible tourist destinations.
Hon. Martin Mugarra, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, is optimistic that the Explore Elgon campaign seeks to not only tap into the domestic and international tourist markets but rather emphasises creating awareness of the cultures deeply rooted in both the Bagisu and Sabiny, including culinary, traditional ways of life, dress and appearance, languages, farming, circumcision festivities, and historical tales, among a variety.
He states, ‘This drive aims to bring to the spotlight the best of eastern Uganda’s tourist attractions, beautiful sights and sounds, waterfalls, nature among others, with the Elgon serving as the heart of the region’s numerous attractions. Starting with the Imbalu cultural immersions and the Elgon natural attractions, we want all Ugandans to travel and experience the delights of the East’’.
He adds, ‘The campaign also serves as the launchpad for the newly refreshed new destination brand Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa domestic rollout. This is Uganda’s defining image and selling point as a top holiday destination we all wish to be proud of, promote, and urge the world to visit our motherland, Uganda’’.
04. Miss Uganda 2023 crowning preparations on all feet after registration opens
It is soon another year meaning a dethronement of the old and enthronement of a new Miss Uganda beauty queen. Preparations for the enthronement process of the Miss Uganda 2023 kick started on the 21st of December with an opening of contestant registration.
The launch was organised by Kezzi entertainment in Conjunction with StarTimes and held at Sheraton. It was attended by former beauty Queens; Stella Nantumbwe, Bizzu, Nakakande, the reigning queen Elizabeth Bagaya and former regional representatives.
The registration exercise is open to all Ugandan Citizens who meet requirements such as Female gender between the age of 18-25 years, having minimum A Level certificate of Education, not married among others.
The 2023 Edition is themed “Beauty Beyond looks”. As opposed to the previous versions, Miss Uganda 2023 will be an entertainment reality TV show on StarTimes Makula TV dubbed “Journey to the crown” and will document Uganda beauty Pageant activities in the 2023 Edition covering all the geographical regions of Uganda.
05. UWA to re-introduce white rhinos at Ajai reserve
Following a successful breeding programme at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is set to re-introduce White rhinos into Ajai wildlife reserve in Madi Okollo District.
At Ziwa, the original stock of six Southern White Rhinos multiplied to 35 thus possibility of relocation and expansion of rhino reserves.
“The white rhino is a cultural heritage for the West Nile community. Re-introducing the rhino will be part of restoration of the cultural heritage and will enhance the understanding of rhino conservation of the West Nile community (specifically the Madi Okollo district community) and their future generations to appreciate and be proud to revive their ancestral heritage,” read part of a recent UWA brief.
Mr Bashir Hangi, the communications officer of UWA, said they were still in the planning phase and could not give a timeline on when they would introduce the rhinos.
He, however, said UWA will have to negotiate with the community about the land. The land in question is currently occupied by the Madali and Olali communities.
06. Bwindi National Park – Land of the great apes
Bwindi national park, located in the south western boarder of Uganda, is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas with over 300 mountain gorillas living here.
In 1907, former prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Winston Spencer Churchill dubbed Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” due to its overwhelmingly astonishing nature.
“The Kingdom of Uganda is a fairly-tale. You climb up… and at the end there is a wonderful new world. The scenery, vegetation, and climate are all different, and, most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa……. Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa” He said and his observations about Uganda remain true today.
Travelers to Uganda are drawn by its stunning landscape – green rolling hills, snowcapped mountains, rainforests, majestic rivers and massive lakes as well as the game. There are also a number of outstanding national parks for your safari encounter with the wildlife for which Africa is renowned.
07. Uganda Airlines voted Region’s best Airline 2022
Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines has been voted the Region’s best Airline for the year 2022 at the Chamber Quality Awards that were earlier held in South Sudan.
Through a tweet, the Airline showed much gratitude towards the much welcomed achievement.
“We are incredibly honored to have been chosen as the best airline company of the year at the Chamber Quality Awards held in South Africa,” tweeted Uganda Airlines.
The award comes as a great boost to the Airline following efforts to revamp passenger levels post the pandemic. It takes the Airline a notch higher to commanding the region’s air space.
08. Dubai removes 30% tax on alcohol license to boost tourism
The New Year has begun on a high after the Dubai administration removed the 30 percent alcohol tax and fees to obtain an alcohol license in the city effective January 1 in bid to boost her tourism.
The changes impact purchase of alcohol, not only for visitors and residents but the hospitality industry as well, since all establishments will now be able to purchase alcohol at the untaxed price.
“As it is all over the news, guests will be fully aware of it, and it will greatly benefit them, with “hopefully” lower prices for them. This will be great for residents and even better for visitors,” said Nicolas Budzynski, Global Operations Director at LPM Restaurants and Bar.
“Orders of high-end beverages will certainly increase as these will become more accessible, and operators should see an increased footfall in bars and licensed restaurant venues,” said Stefano Mihalitsianos, Managing Director at Tashas Group.
“I believe the announcement is a great initiative to make alcohol pricing competitive and aligned with international markets. The end user will benefit from the revision since they have always been charged the 30 percent alcohol government tax, in addition to the operation markup. Prices on alcohol lists will eventually and gradually fall,” said Firas Fawaz, Founder and Managing Partner at The Artisan.
09. 2023 Resolutions: How Flight attendants are positive to stay fresh in the Skies
A flight attendant typically has plans for the upcoming year, just like everyone else. These are frequently connected to their extremely distinctive way of life and the requirement for ongoing adaptation and change. Additionally, they enjoy taking on new challenges, so what would be on a flight attendant’s list of resolutions for the year 2023?
Eat well onboard
The lure of the crew meal is always there and is often a necessity, especially on a long-haul flight or multi-sector day. However, rules are relaxing a little bit at the airports, so it may get easier to take our own food on board. Suddenly, the ugly meal in a foil tray can be replaced by fresh, healthy home-bought food. We can always hope!
Be fitter
It can be difficult to find time for exercise due to our heavy schedules, but we also hope to be a bit fitter. Our job is quite strenuous, so we need to be fairly fit, especially when pushing a full meal cart on an incline or lifting heavy atlas boxes in the galley. Some crew take advantage of a sleepless night and go to the gym, but many like to go for a long walk, especially when in a new city.
Drink more water
It’s a no-brainer, but working at altitude, we can become very dehydrated. Flight attendants know that they should drink 0.25 litres of water for every hour on the aircraft. Unfortunately, we often get busy and don’t realize we haven’t drunk enough water. It’s a must on the list.
10. Emirates signs a contract to assist travellers getting to the Bahamas
To encourage travel to the Caribbean archipelago, Emirates and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas have inked a contract. In order to increase the number of visitors arriving on the islands from important markets within Emirates’ network, the airline and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism will launch cooperative efforts.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Emirates Group Headquarters by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, and HE Tony Joudi, Ambassador of the Bahamas to the UAE and the State of Qatar. Adnan Kazim, the chief commercial officer of Emirates, and Salem Obaidalla, senior vice president of commercial operations for the Americas at Emirates, were also present at the signing event.
Emirates Group Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stated: “We are glad to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas in supporting its goals to strengthen the country’s tourism industry. We anticipate playing a significant role in promoting the Bahamas as a top vacation destination through our ties with United and Air Canada. Emirates provides services to our locations in North America for our international clients, who may also take advantage of the improved connection and access to the islands.
His Excellency Tony Joudi, Ambassador of the Bahamas to the UAE and the State of Qatar, said: “I would like to thank Emirates for playing a role in strengthening the connection between the two countries.” Tourism is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, and by growing visitor arrivals to our tropical island paradise, we hope to achieve our goals of stimulating the tourism economy and providing impetus to the business climate.
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