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Memorable Visit to Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa for the Serena 63 Games Series

by with No Comment AFRITOURISM54 NEWSDESTINATION UGANDA

Kigo, Uganda 

Journalist: Kazeem Balogun 

I experienced an unforgettable visit to the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo, Uganda, alongside my friend and professional colleague, Amb. Ayo Omotoso,CEO, Travelogue Communications as the picturesque venue hosted the prestigious Serena 63 Games Series recently  on the beautiful golf course.

 

 

This event brought together golf players from around the world, turning the serene resort into a hub of excitement  and a healthy ccompetition arena of sort where great minds in golf converged to tee- off under a beautiful endless and scouchingless sunlight of Uganda.

An Introduction to Golf at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort 

Upon arrival, participants were greeted by Emmanuel, the resident golf Instructor, who provided a comprehensive introduction to the game of golf. Emmanuel’s passion for the sport was evident as he detailed the rules, techniques, and the unique challenges presented by the Lake Victoria course. His engaging explanation ensured that even those new to the elitist  sport could appreciate the nuances and excitement of golf especially from the history behind the Serena 63 which has to do with a Kenya golf player reaching that particular number , thereby creating a game series on it.

Players Share Their Experiences

Throughout the series, seasoned golf players shared their experiences, extolling the virtues of the course and the overall ambiance of the resort. Ronney, a prominent figure in the golfing community in Uganda praised the meticulous design and maintenance of the course, highlighting how it tests both skill and strategy. “The undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers make every hole a new adventure,” he remarked.

 

The golf manager echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the breathtaking views of Lake Victoria that enhance the golfing experience. “Playing here is not just about the game; it’s about immersing yourself in nature. The scenery is simply unparalleled,” he said.

Martin, another pro noted the sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that pervaded the event. “The Serena 63 Games Series brings together a community of golf enthusiasts who share a love for the sport and a respect for the game. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet and compete with players from different parts of the world,” Martin commented.

A Call to Golfers Around the World

Collectively, these players extended an invitation to fellow golfers worldwide, urging them to experience what they described as the most beautiful golf course in Africa. “If you are passionate about golf, you owe it to yourself to play here at least once. It’s a course that challenges you and rewards you with its beauty,” they enthused.

William, the sales and Marketing Manager of Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, while taking me on a ride to the golf course also emphasized the sui-generis nature of their golf course, justifying why global players must converge on this beauty  course in Uganda.

Definitely, Duncan, the General Manager of Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa also testified to the uniqueness of the golf course and the overall ambiance that thier facility would provide for both players and non players alike granting myself and Ayo an interview .

Testifying to the greatness of Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa 

Having a first hand experience of this great facility was a privilege.  Personally, l had seen more beautiful facilities across the continent, but  this no doubt is a top-notch, l must say and my colleagues can bear witness to this wonderful space in Kigo, Uganda that could be described as a home away from home, so to speak.

A Night of Celebration

The highlight of the event was a sumptuous dinner held for the players. The evening was a blend of exquisite cuisine, lively conversation, and a shared appreciation for the game.

Players reminisced about the day’s rounds, discussed strategies, and forged new friendships over a delectable meal.

The dinner not only celebrated the sport but also the spirit of togetherness that golf fosters. It was a fitting end to a day marked by competition and camaraderie, leaving participants with lasting memories of their time at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa and where the winners were adequately recognised and rewarded.

Invitation to Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa 

Our invitation to the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa for the Serena 63 Games Series was an experience rich  tourism sport nature, and fellowship with the world golfers.

The resort, with its stunning location and world-class facilities, proved to be the perfect venue for an event that celebrates the global golfing community, and as  players departed, they took with them not only the joy of the game but also the beauty of Uganda’s premier golf destination and the comfortability that Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa could offer.

The same applies to myself and Ayo, as we took a decision to attend other series in our quest to projecting the best of African sport tourism.

Hoping you could join us very soon to savour this great experience in this enchanting country Uganda,the ‘Pearl of Africa”that has so much to offer the world,

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Empowering Women in Uganda’s Tourism Sector: A New Era of Leadership

by with No Comment AFRITOURISM54 NEWSDESTINATION UGANDA
  • Kampala, Uganda 

Journalist: Kazeem Balogun 

Uganda, famously known as the Pearl of Africa, is witnessing a transformative phase in its tourism sector, marked by the leadership of three dynamic women: Jenifer Bamuturaki, Lily Ajarova, and Pearl Hoareau-Kakooza. These trailblazing professionals are redefining the landscape of tourism in a region traditionally dominated by male leaders.

Jenifer Bamuturaki, the CEO of Uganda Airlines, stands at the forefront of this change. She is accompanied by Lily Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and Pearl Hoareau-Kakooza, Chairman of the Uganda Tourism Board. Their appointments signal a significant shift in Africa, reflecting a broader move towards gender diversity in leadership roles.

Alain St.Ange, President of the African Tourism Board (ATB), recently visited Uganda alongside Cuthbert Ncube, the Board’s Executive Chairman, as esteemed guests of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE). This expo is recognized as East Africa’s premier tourism fair, showcasing the best of the region’s attractions and hospitality.

St.Ange, who brings a wealth of experience as the former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports, and Marine of the Seychelles and now leads his own consultancy, Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy, had the opportunity to meet with Jenifer Bamuturaki. During their meeting, Bamuturaki provided insights into the existing and upcoming routes of Uganda Airlines, underscoring the airline’s strategic expansions.

“The drive by Jenifer Bamuturaki is remarkable, and her commitment to Uganda, its tourism industry, and Africa is clear for all to see,” stated St.Ange. He highlighted the airline’s recent route additions to Mumbai and Lagos, with more destinations on the horizon, as clear indicators of Uganda Airlines’ solid foundation and ambitious future. He emphasized that Uganda Airlines is poised to revolutionize air access across the continent, positioning Entebbe as a central hub.

St.Ange further praised Uganda Airlines for its pivotal role in enhancing connectivity between Uganda and the global community. He asserted that Africa should take pride in this success story, as it exemplifies the continent’s potential to achieve significant milestones in the aviation and tourism sectors.

Under the leadership of Bamuturaki, Ajarova, and Hoareau-Kakooza, Uganda’s tourism industry is set to thrive, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty to the world. Their collaborative efforts and visionary strategies are not only bolstering Uganda’s tourism but also setting a powerful example for women’s leadership across Africa.

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POATE 2024: Uganda Tourism Board CEO, Lilly Ajarova Extends Appreciation to Participants

by with No Comment AFRITOURISM54 NEWSDESTINATION UGANDA

Kampala, Uganda

Journalist: Kazeem Balogun

There is no skepticism about the successful hosting of the 2024 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo which was held between 23rd to 25th May, 2024 at the Speke Resort and Convention Centre, Munyonyo Uganda as the main convener of the expo and CEO of Uganda Tourism Board, Lilly Ajarova expressed her utmost appreciation to the participants who attended the event.

She made this known through a message she made available on her twitter handle and to the media which reads:

On behalf of the @TourismBoardUg, I extend my warmest gratitude to each and every one of you who made the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2024 a resounding success.

From May 23rd to 25th, the Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo buzzed with the energy of passionate tourism professionals. Hosted buyers, trade visitors, and countless exhibitors came together to showcase Uganda’s tourism offerings and forge valuable connections.

Whether you were a seasoned industry leader, a budding entrepreneur, or a curious consumer, your presence played a vital role in shaping the vibrant atmosphere of #POATE2024. The insightful discussions, productive B2B meetings, and lively cultural exchanges were truly inspiring.

Many thanks to the leadership of the @MTWAUganda , National Organising Committee Chaired by the Permanent Secretary MTWA, the entire MTWA and all the agencies teams for unwavering support.

We are particularly grateful to our esteemed hosted buyers who traveled from across the globe to explore the potential of Uganda’s tourism sector.  Your participation signifies the growing recognition of Uganda as a premier tourist destination, and we look forward to welcoming you back with unforgettable experiences.

The success of POATE would not have been possible without the dedication of our sponsors, exhibitors, and the entire team at the Uganda Tourism Board.  Their tireless efforts ensured a seamless and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Moving forward let us carry forward the momentum we have generated here. Let us continue to work together to innovate, promote, and elevate Uganda’s tourism industry. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities, and I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we will achieve new heights and make Uganda a must-visit destination for explorers around the world.

Thank you once again for your participation, enthusiasm, and support.
Together, let’s continue to shine a spotlight on the wonders of Uganda.

Participants at the event were drawn from different sectors of tourism business- private, government, academics. etc.

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POATE2024: Tourism Experts Call for a United Africa for Tourism Development

by with No Comment 27th May, 2024AFRITOURISM54 NEWSDESTINATION UGANDA

Munyonyo, Uganda

Journalist: Olatutu Balogun

Tourism experts are increasingly advocating for more robust collaborations within the industry, asserting that such partnerships are crucial for fostering growth, resilience, and sustainability. This consensus was prominently highlighted during a dinner gathering at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, held recently at Speke Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Uganda.

Hon. Cuthbert Ncube, the Executive Chairman of African Tourism Board, underscored the necessity of unity in the sector and the need to implement great initiatives across Africa.

“In an increasingly competitive global market, our strength lies in our ability to work together, that’s why we are saying at ATB, lets implement. For instance AU passport initiative, a brilliant idea, but why is it taking so much time that we are not able to implement. We should resolve that in 2024 we want to see positive results”,he remarked.

Ncube further elaborated on how collaborative efforts could enhance marketing strategies, improve resource management, and create a more cohesive brand image for Africa as a premier tourist destination of which African Tourism Board has been achieving and will continue to advocate with other continental tourism boards, including the African Union Commission.

Hon. Alain St.Ange, former Minister of Tourism, civil Aviation, Ports and Mine for Seychelles, echoed an African travel pass sentiment, highlighting the benefits it could proffer by solving a major challenge. “We could do something for Africa to help Africa get to the next level and thats to have travel passes for Africa that is used by all Africans, and only Africans. That should not be difficult for us to do”, St. Ange submitted.

He believed that if Africans join forces, we will not only share our individual strengths but also learn from each other’s experiences. This he said would give us synergy that could lead to innovative solutions and improved tourist experiences. He emphasized that collaborative initiatives can help smaller destinations gain visibility and compete on a global scale referencing his native, Seychelles and other successful countries.

Ambassador Ikechi Uko, the Convener of the Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, also spoke passionately about the need for cooperation among Africans , tracing his involvement with other African individuals to proffer solutions to some of the challenges the continent faced, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. “I remember during the lockdown, l called my friends in Kenya, South Africa and other places, we were able to do another set of survey“.

He mentioned airlines’ operations saying “it is possible that all airlines could prosper like ET and be able to collect passengers and deliver them wherever because the future of our businesses is Africa of l.5 billion people. But if these obstacles stand before us, its because we have made no efforts”.

Uko further highlighted past successes where collaborative and joint efforts significantly boosted tourist arrivals and investment in some regions of Africa.

Also present at the dinner were prominent tourism experts within Uganda and outside among whom were: the CEO of Uganda Tourism Board, Ms. Lilly Ajarova; Chairperson of Uganda Tourism Board Ms. Pearl Hoareau-Kakooza; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Tourism Board, Mr. Bradford Ochieng; ATB Global Ambassador, Mr. Didier Bayeye; Head of Sales and Marketing, Tribehotelsgroup, Mrs. Eva Mwangi; CEO, Bonfire Adventures, Mr. Simon Kabu; Director of Media and Communications, African Tourism Board, Amb. Kazeem Balogun and CEO of Travelogue Communications, Amb. Omotoso among others too numerous to mention.

The experts at the gathering emphasized that the future of African tourism depends significantly on the ability to work together, believing that collaboration is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity for survival and growth in the modern tourism landscape, of which Ncube passionately preached at the get together, urging stakeholders to commit to ongoing dialogue and partnership initiatives across the continent.

The dinner, attended by various stakeholders from across the continent, served as a platform for them to network and discuss strategies for strengthening intra-African tourism partnerships.

They explored ideas such as creating cross-border tourism packages, establishing regional tourism corridors, and leveraging digital platforms for joint marketing efforts and robust visa regime that will be sustainable.

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, an annual event, aims to showcase Uganda’s rich cultural and natural heritage while fostering regional cooperation in the tourism sector. This year’s event, according to attendees, was particularly focused on addressing recovery of the tourism industry, with collaboration being a key theme.

The Dinner in Picture:

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POATE 2024: Uganda Tourism Board Surprises Distinguished African Tourism Leaders with Special Recognition at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo

by with One Comment 27th May, 2024AFRITOURISM54 NEWSDESTINATION UGANDA

Kampala, Uganda

Journalist: Kazeem Balogun

The Uganda Tourism Board, (UTB) one of the the prominent tourism management boards in Africa has delivered an unexpected honours to three distinguished African tourism leaders that attended the just concluded Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo ,POATE 2024 in Kampala, Uganda .

This surprise took place during a well-attended tourism trade dinner, organised by Uganda Airlines at the Ndere Cultural Centre in Kampala, on the second day of the Expo.

UTB CEO, Madam Lilly Ajarova and her team invited the three renowned tourism veterans to the stage to be recognized and celebrated in a big surprise to them, but to the admiration of the audience.

The honoured veterans were ; Amb. Ikechi Uko, Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market ; Hon. Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of Seychelles and former President of the African Tourism Board (ATB), and Hon. Cuthbert Ncube, Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board. They were extolled as the ‘Giants and Pillars’ of African tourism.

The three honorees, (L- R) Hon. Cuthbert Ncube, the Executive Chairman of African Tourism Board; Amb. Ikechi Uko, Founder, Akwaaba Africa Travel Market and Hon. Alain St.Ange, former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Seychelles

Uko expressed his appreciation to the CEO of UTB and her team for the recognition and also in a message on his social handles where he appreciated St. Ange. “Massive recognition to share the same space with my Oga St. Ange.”

St. Ange, equally moved and conveyed his humility and gratitude to Lilly Ajarova and her team for the recognition she accorded him.

Ms. Lilly Ajarova, CEO Uganda Tourism Board with Hon. Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Seychelles

Ncube also expressed his unfathomable appreciation to Ms. Ajarova and her team, eulogised the giant strides UTB has achieved.

“l am grateful to our amiable Lilly Ajarova, her team and UTB for achieving so much so far. This humbling, and it calls for more dedication on my part”.

About the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE)

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) is an annual event organized by the Uganda Tourism Board to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential to international and domestic markets. The Expo serves as a platform for tourism stakeholders, including travel agents, tour operators, and media, to network, collaborate, and explore the diverse attractions that Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, has to offer.

POATE features exhibitions, business-to-business meetings, and various networking events aimed at promoting Uganda’s tourism sector.

The event also includes cultural performances, site visits, seminars, workshops, providing a comprehensive experience of Uganda’s unique cultural and natural heritage.

The Expo not only highlights Uganda’s scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural richness but also aims to boost the country’s profile as a premier travel destination in Africa.